I will never forget your kind heart and compassionate care of my mother. Or your help for her to realize one of her closely guarded dreams. I wish you peace and light Susan. Elizabeth

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I rember you cantering at the decation of the Rt 62 Operation Dignity site in Gowanda. You helped give dignity to the lost & forgotton souls from the Old Gownada Pshy Hospital. Your song will live in my heart. Thank you. Faith Tanner-Thrush

I will not let you go, Susan. I will not allow your love for life and even more, your love for Judaism be swallowed by the earth’s crust of a burning airplane. For me, I entered Temple Beth Am openly saying to you that I did not enjoy your singing, your high pitched voice or even the attempts to add bongo drums to the Friday night services. Having been raised in a Jewish Conservative/Orthodox lifestyle, I wanted the traditional baritone voice emanating from the bimah. I had come to Temple Beth Am for the sake of my son’s Bar Mitzvah and eventually met you who changed my life even though I resisted over and over to hear your voice call out to me. A few years ago I joined your Service Leadership Class with the belief that my previous experiences of being a temporary chazzan in my youthful days would add to the enjoyment of attending every Friday night service. Our class of extremely diverse people melded into a ‘family’ of lay people who rose to the occasion of actually leading a Friday night service and experiencing the thrill of a grateful number of congregants who provided all of us with praise and encouragement for what we accomplished. We became disciples of you, your desire for continual progress with our singing, and your vast interpretation of the dynamics of what was really happening during the Seder. Even though I sang with an Ashkenazi dialect, it was you who allowed me to be me and still feel connected to the thrill of celebrating this Seder through your teaching. I gained tremendous respect for your abounding energy to help us through the tough spots, your compassionate challenge toward excellence in how we were saying the prayers, and your wisdom to connect all of our individual past experiences to the interpretation of the Friday night service; we felt as though we had been through a two year graduate training program in the several weeks that we practiced with you! We no longer just sang the words; we enjoyed the deep feeling of each sound that helped us connect to being Jewish! Singing became like praying twice – once for the words and their meaning and the second time for the thrill of feeling each sound and how it breathed life into the celebration of being Jewish! I was amazed at your courage to accept my differences while still keeping true to your beliefs of an egalitarian lifestyle for women in the Jewish religion. I had a lot of personal challenges within the Reform movement of Temple Beth Am and you were the one person who encouraged me to take more risks toward enjoying Judaism while still clutching onto many traditions that were part of my remembrances as a child. You helped us start a Bikkur Cholim, helping the sick, group that visited people who were in need of feeling accepted and actually provided us with a contemporary course in pastoral counseling; an hour with you was exhausting but breath-taking in its revelation of what we could do as lay people for the Temple. We were creating a booklet of faith and hope that would be a part of our Temple’s outreach program that would include your recorded songs. We still have some unfinished pages to complete…with your help! I will not let go of what you’ve helped create within me. I believe that I am a better person for having allowed you to touch my life and I accepted your hugs as a continual blessing toward being Jewish at Temple Beth Am. Mac I. Barnett – Member of Temple Beth Am

Pete Wehle

14 years ago

I wish I could have met her. She sounds and still is an amazing person. I am sure she will be remembered for all the love she bestowed on you and many, many more! Shalom Pete Wehle (I shall always treasure my last name because of Susan

Susan was one of the "Seven Sisters", a group of seven women who lived, laughed,sang,danced and shared our lives together for over twenty years.We continued to meet as many times a year as we could,and we shared the most precious and beautiful times together. We always had a blast, so much fun, so many laughs! Susan was a treasure of a woman, with the voice of an angel. A true friend, a soul sister. I miss you so much. You are so deeply loved, and so deeply missed. Baruch Hashem. Belinda Agar.

Susan...my memory of you goes back to the beginning of DLTI (the first!) and the many years after...always SO happy to see you, catch up, share, support one another in our struggles and joys and celebrations......and then you became my smicha sister-3 years ago we shared that very deep and very powerful ordination ceremony where you became Cantor and I Rabbi.....and seeing you every year since. Always made me happy in my heart to share with you. I have been heartbroken at your sudden loss in this world, but I am comforted by understanding that some of us have had the privilege to share a connection of the neshamah that goes beyond friendship or just colleagues...it is a sacred sharing, and i thank you for showing this to me. I send love and care to your family and your congregation and all those whose hearts are torn. Rabbi Chaya Gusfield (Oakland, CA)

I spent a great deal of time at the Migraine Clinic in Georgetown Ontario with Susan. I enjoyed hearing about her life, her community and her family. As a fellow migraine sufferer I was so amazed that Susan was able to accomplish so much and give so much to so many people while suffering from intense chronic pain. I am shocked and saddened by her loss and my warmest wishes go out to her family and friends. Thinking of Susan, Ali Sauer Toronto, Ontario

Our whole family is deeply saddened at this time. Susan performed the baby naming ceremony for our granddaughter Lyla about a year and half ago. She was so lovely and made this special occassion for our family one we will never forget. We did not know her before the ceremony, but she made us all feel warm and special-especially the baby. Our sincere sympathy to her family , but the memories of a beautiful woman will always be there for you Judy and Barry Baron (Williamsville, NY)

Cantor Wehle officiated at my wedding. She met with my husband and me to get to know us and to familiarize my husband to be with the Jewish prayers and traditions that would be a part of our ceremony although he is not Jewish. Her patience, insight, joyfullness and beautiful voice made the wedding all I hoped it would be. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and remembered forever as a talented, joyful soul whose good deeds, warmth and inclusiveness reached across all differences in faith. My life is better for having known her. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and those whose lives she touched. Rhonda Ley (Lewiston, NY)

our thoughts and prayers are with Susan's family at this most difficult time --Susan teacher was a wonderful --always smiling and excited about what she was sharing ...She will be missed in the community Shalom Ina and Herb Scheer Ina & Herb Scheer (Amherst, NY)

The world lost a really beautiful person....but Heaven's choir gained a new angel, where she can sing God's praises forever more. God bless the community of Temple Beth Am, and to her sons, blessings to you both in this hard time, may you find comfort and peace. Liz Staley (Tonawanda, NY)

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am shocked and saddened. I met Susan only hours after leaving my mother's bedside as she closed her eyes for the last time nearly two years ago. Susan came to my mother's home to meet with me and my brother to gather thoughts and memories for the eulogy she was to read at my mother's funeral service. As soon as Susan entered the room, I felt the warmth of her presence and the glow of her smile. She was enormously comforting in a time of great personal loss. Within minutes, she drew out memories and stories of my mother.. She stood by my side at the funeral and comforted me as I cried on her shoulder...I will never forget her kindness and her comforting words... and her beautiful voice. May she rest in peace...and may her family, friends and loved ones be blessed in this moment of great tragedy and sadness. STEVEN RUBIN, PARIS, FRANCE

Dear Susan, Thank you for sharing with us your gentle soul, open heart and sweet songs. Over the last few days, when I close my eyes, I see your radiant face. You touched my soul deeply. We've known each other for 17 years, through the Jewish Renewal traveling road show that we're both part of. I am remembering with profound gratitude: meeting you during my first experience with the wider Renewal movement, at the 1993 Berkeley Kallah, and how kind and gracious you were to me; the joy of the many times we chanted together; and continuing to see each other, now as rabbinic-cantorial colleagues, at our yearly Ohalah gatherings. May your soul be eased in its transition into the next world, with all the help it needs from your holy loved ones who have entered it before you. May all who loved you be comforted among the mourners of the world. Love, Carol

Like so many I was saddened by Susan's passing. I knew her as my children's teacher and spent many delighted hours sitting in her office as she shared her wonder at the language and beauty of Torah with me and with them. She so enriched the spiritual lives of my children. Though I am not Jewish, I always felt that Susan respected and appreciated my spiritual being---I will truly miss her joy, her compassion, and her kindness. I pledge to do my part to try and help heal the world in honor of Susan's memory. To her sons, her family and to all her many friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Susan and I were friends and then housemates in Chicago while studying at the Goodman. I have thought of her often in the years since then, heard a little about her life from mutual friends, and am so saddened to learn she is suddenly gone. We never stop caring about people who mean so much to us, even after we lose touch. Yes, she was a light.

I woke up last night in the middle of the night ,and it then came together since I did not know Susan's full name, and I hadn't seen her picture yet. One of the constants of the Aleph Kallah over the years was Susan singing radiantly in the choir. Her beautiful presence was also appreciated by those of us who only knew her slightly. I send my condolences to her family, friends, and larger community. Wendy Berk

Dear Susan, May you continue to glow with the beautiful Aura of Light and Love that enfolded you while you journeyed on this planet. I'm sure that you'll be sending that vibration from the other side of the veil, caressed by the Angels who Love You, to all who love you on this earthly plane. You were so sweet, compassionate, understanding and helpful to me when I first entered the Aleph Cantorial program. We sang together at Kallah and Ohalah, and were roommates. You taught me much and were an inspiration in so many ways. Blessings of strength and deep compassion to your family, friends and kahal at Beth Am. Michelle Hodah Newman Santa Cruz, CA

I'm so sorry for your loss. I am sure she is lighting the path for all and is looking down from above.

the goodman school. oh her voice. that wonderful voice.

Susan dear, holy sister, blessed friend. Thank you for all the times we laughed together. Thank you for evenings of saying the bedtime shema as we fell asleep at DLTI and other EC weeks of learning. Thank you for the Shabbat preparation times of true girl friend closeness – “should I wear this white outfit, or this one?” Thank you for your smile, your warmth, your love, your sweet voice, your strong support. Fly free now my lovely friend. Find the comfort of angels and loved ones who moved on before you. Remembering you will always be a blessing.

Susan and I graduated together from the Goodman School of Drama back in 1977. I remember her as a dear, sweet human being with a smile that could calm your soul. She once gave me a copy of the book, "Smile At The Foot of the Ladder" by Henry Miller, which she lovingly inscribed, and which I still treasure. And so, to her family and friends, let me share these words, from another great story, that help me cope; "In one of the stars I shall be living In one of them I shall be laughing And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night. And there is sweetness in the laughter of the stars And in the memories of those you love." Foa all who know this life will know it too briefly, And all who leave this life will leave it too soon. May peace cup your heart and hold it gently, Steve Smith Sarasota, FL

My heart goes out to all that knew Susan Wehle. I am a member of BCC and we co-lease space at Temple Beth Am. It was obvious that Susan had an impact on many. She was always encouraging and supportive of our music & theater productions. My sincere condolences to all of her family, friends and Temple Beth Am. James Terhune (Buffalo, NY)

Susan was a classmate of mine at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, NY. I knew her as a casual friend. Yet, when I saw Susan's incredible smile in news photos, it struck a chord of familiarity to me. I remember Susan as an intelligent, kind, friendly, and bubbly person. I want to express my condolences to Susan's family and friends. She obviously touched many lives in many very special ways as she lived her life far from Queens. My thoughts are with you in this incredibly difficult time. Arleen Fishman Block (Weston, CT)

May God keep you close during this difficult time. Liz Golimowski (NC)

I had the opportunity to work with Susan for 2 years and am deeply saddened by this loss. May her family and friends find peace and always remember her as the kind, passionate, fabulous woman she was. Melissa Kleinman (Brookline, MA)

Susan was a vivacious and kind woman. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. Bernice Stern (Williamsville, NY)

It deeply saddened me to hear the news of Susan's untimely death. I remember her from Martin Van Buren H.S. She played the viola in the Sr. Orchestra then. After reading of her work since then, it's clear she has been a blessing to all around her. My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. Dorothy (Schnetzer) Malm (Lindenhurst, NY)

Susan's vivaciousness, true love and caring for the human condition will live on through the people's lives she touched... Susan's voice is now silenced. However,the memory of her voice in the Synagogues across the country and Holocaust Remembrance Services is still heard in the minds of Holocaust survivors and their children. Rest in peace. Sally Blitz-Weisz (Northridge, CA)

One of Susan's last official acts at Temple Beth Am was officiating at my father's funeral on January 27th of this year. She came to our home the night before and drew out stories, laughter and tears from my family and friends. She explained the Jewish rituals around grief and encouraged us to participate in them, for the great healing properties. Susan also helped me further develop my understanding of G-d and the everlasting nature of one's soul. G-d brought her into my life just when I needed her. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to everyone whose lives were touched by Susan. She will be missed greatly on earth, but her soul and gifts will be with us forever. Minda Cutcher (San Jose, CA)

Susan was a dear friend throughout my high school and college years. Our paths diverged shortly thereafter and I say with regret that we lost touch for the next many years. She was loving, kind, bright, brilliant and witty. I wish her all goodness and light in her journey.

This is a moment for holding on This is a moment for letting go This is a moment for asking why This is a moment for giving thanks This is a moment for breathing in for sighing into the deep within This is a moment for holding hands for counting blessings in drifting sand This is a moment so unprepared for broken hearts, for showing care This is a moment for work undone This is a moment for songs unsung This is the moment we need cry When heaven meets the earth and sky our hearts are turned to a setting sun resting deeply in the One.

Dearest Susan, Since I heard the news I search for words and find none. Instead I am flooded with many wonderful memories. And I cry and I laugh. I want to share with you this poem I found 12 years ago on a secretary’s desk at Northwestern University. It was around the same time we first met at Elat Chayyim. Go friend, Into another dimension of living, Taking with What of me I have given you, Leaving with me What you have given me. Apart, and yet together, We shall continue our related journeys Through eternity, Enriched, joyous, And thankful to the God of love For the blessings of our friendship. (Anonymous) I terribly miss you, Eyal

Shoshana, sweet singer of Israel, How can it be that you are no longer with us in this earthly realm? Your sons, your siblings, your friends thought that you would be with them to celebrate their simchas and life passages together. We see your glowing smile, hear your resonant voice, feel your loving presence. In an instant you were gone. As your plane descended in flames, the fiery chariot of Elijah the Prophet, Eliyahu Hanavi, lifted you on the wings of a prayer. Shema Yisrael - Adonai Natan vAdonai Lakakh Listen, you who encounter the Mystery face to face, The Holy One gave us an angel and the Holy One took her away. Blessed be her song, her spirit, and her good name. Rabbi Hanna Tiferet Siegel

I was blessed with the friendship of Susan when we sang together at Rose Mountain and discovered how much song and friendship could elevate the soul. We roomed together at Kallah's and spent many hours laughing and sharing as only girlfriends seem to know how to do. I am having difficulty imagining this world without the beauty of Susan, and I feel privileged to have had her in my life at such an important time in my own spiritual growth. Susan was, and will continue to be, an inspiration in my life. My deepest condolences to those who knew her beauty, her joy and her willingness to share her love. I will always remember that smile, that laugh, that joy of being alive.... lia wiss

I only knew Susan indirectly. Since I live in Boulder, I would see her at the yearly Ohalah gatherings and was always struck by her beauty and radiance which clearly came from a source deep within her. Her face was full of kindness and warmth. I was shocked and am deeply grieved to learn of her tragic death. May G-d send comfort to her dear children, all of her family, and all those who are grappling with this unimaginable loss. Miriam Pollack Boulder, CO

Susan, I remember your sweet smile and gentle radiance. I am so grateful that we had a chance to sing together, pray together, play together in this precious life. Your eyes were always searching. Your vulnerability was your power. To all who loved you, May you find comfort in the memory of that smile which smiles on within us. May the harshness of this moment of loss and the horrible images fade, leaving us blessed by Susan's generous life. Love, Shefa

On Friday morning, I mentioned to someone that I was thinking of my friends in Buffalo - I was thinking of Susan - of how much work consolation in times of accidents can be to clergy. When I got to a computer, I tried to send her an email, but I couldn't find her address. At midday, when I looked again, I saw her name on the list of passengers. Among the other passengers were two players from Chuck Mangione's band, Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett. I want to imagine the three of them talking music on the plane, and maybe even playing and singing together. Now they have joined the Band of Angels playing at God's feet. Susan was the kind of person who would always make you feel comfortable. Her voice was magical, and her smile was infectious. May her memory always be a blessing.

Susan, one beautiful, light filled sister. About five years ago you had me over to your house in Buffalo when I was on a book tour. I was exhausted and I think you knew that because you took me home, made tea, and plunked me down on your lovely couch, putting on beautiful music. You kept talking as I drifted into a dreamy cloud, your couch was sisterly grace itself. Despite your fiery end, I somehow cannot bring up your image in any other way than radiant, laughing, filled with simchah! May it be so! I love you Susan. Be our intercessor there in the realms above as we try to reboot our world for survival. May the Shechinah be fully real and apparent to you and bless you always. I will miss you.

Shaya and I join the many other waves of love to add strength to all the beloveds who lost this sweet and vibrant soul. Susan and I shared the most delicious hugs that were filled with the Light of Delight. Our paths happily met first at Elat Chayyim and later at Kallah and Ohalah. What a treasure to have known Susan in the flowering of her life. Her Light remains within our hearts. Deep condolences to her beloved family and all those whose lives she touched. Bahira Sugarmana and Rabbi Shaya Isenberg Gainesville, Florida

15 years ago

Dear Sister Susan, I felt you were family from the moment we met. I loved your laughter, and making you laugh, and listening to your worries and cares and successes and dreams. You always were interested in what was new and what was next. When you learned a new Shefa song, or a new Linda Hirschhorn song, you beamed and talked about it with such relish. I loved having lunch with you at the Kallah or at OhaLah. You were so easy to be with. You were passionate, funny, self deprecating, playful and delightful. I loved hearing from you. I loved how you wanted everything to be great for me and for all your friends. You were a mamaleh, and an inspiration and a sensitive soul and an original. It was a privilege to know you and to love you. I don't know why you were taken so soon. I pray for your soul to rise to the highest realms. I remember your love with my love, your smile with my smile, and I keep seeing your lovely red curls bouncing above your sweet and tender face. With Blessings to you always, Ya'acov Gabriel

I remember the night we roomed together up at EC. It was the night before I was ordained as a Mashpiah Ruchanit. We were rooming with Rabbi Alicia. We davenned together each night as we lay down and each morning as we awoke. For that brief week we lived in one room and it felt like we were sisters . She sang at our ordination and the recording I have of that day is ever more precious. She gifted me with a pin of dancing women, sisters I shall say which I have always worn and loved. She will be with me always. Always- Rayzl

Susan was a remarkable combination of gifted musician and singer and leader. I had the honor of learning with her in DLTI and various retreats as we studied towards Ordination together. She made me laugh hard and we really took pleasure in singing various Broadway and pop tunes together,as well as new and old zemirot and cantorial pieces. I can still hear her parody of her own thick Brooklynese of earlier years. This was truly a neshama that had a direct connnection to HaShem and she has lifted us all up and will continue to do so. May her sons and family find healing and comfort, and may we keep Susie's memory and music alive in our work and delight in singing Judaism alive at every moment.

My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Susan. She had a beautiful voice, a joyous heart and a generous soul. She was one of the many who welcomed me when I joined Temple Sinai back in the 90s, and while I was sorry when she left us for Beth Am, I was also happy to see her continuing in her spiritual and professional journey. She taught me haftarah chanting and prayers for my adult bat mitzvah, but watching her on the bimah, giving her heart and soul to the prayers, was an education in itself, as well as a joy and a pleasure. Her life was a celebration of the Divine and of the possibilities inherent in all of us, and the entirety of her life is what should be remembered, more than the tragic manner of its ending.