"I was thinking about Mrs. Feuerstein today, in part because I was thinking about what makes a teacher great. I typed her name into Google (I don't think she would like the verb "google") and found her obituary. I see her yarzeit will be tomorrow, and I will remember her at Yom Kippur. The funny thing is I am not Jewish, but knowing her gave me my first glimpse at passionate Jewish intellectualism. Now, I'm married to a Jewish man and belong to (and work for) a humanistic Jewish congregation. However, the impact she had on me as a reader and writer was even more powerful. I had always loved reading, but had never found my English classes stimulating until I encountered her in 11th grade (and she made English at GHHS great through her feisty collaboration with her 12th grade AP English colleague, Mrs. Teague). What I learned from her about writing has sustained me through a lifetime. She introduced us to so many wonderful classics, yet also encouraged our creativity with her "echo" assignments. By mimicking the style of Tom Paine's "Common Sense or the structure of the prologue to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, we analyzed the nuances of texts. I went on to get a PhD in English literature and encountered many brilliant scholars, but Mrs. Feuerstein was the best teacher I ever had, and my fellow students from the class of '86 would probably feel the same way."
In loving memory of
Liba Feuerstein
October 3, 2013
Liba Feuerstein, 76, died October 2, 2013 in California. Daughter of the late Rabbi Marcus and Bertha Breger and preceded in death by husband Seymour Feuerstein. Beloved mother of Esther Netter, Judy (Sloane) Citron and David (Dalia) Feuerstein; cherished grandmother of Eli (Oded) Yonas, Moshe, Shira, Josh, Ari, Tali, Coby, Shai, Adi Seymour and Tomer. Mrs. Feuerstein was a teacher and enlightened many lives. Services were Thursday, October 3, 2013, with Rabbi Arthur R. Oleisky and Rabbi Jonny Shippel officiating. Interment was at the Congregation Anshei Israel Section of Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers donations may be made the Rabbi Marcus Breger Memorial Fund at the University of Arizona
Tributes
"She was "that teacher" for me - the one who made an impact like no other (GHHS, Class of '85 - "Hi, Julie Ritter!"). She demanded excellence, opened up the world to us, and encouraged us to engage our minds and think critically. Hell, she made us read Elie Wiesel's "Night," then brought him into the classroom for some Q&A. *That's* the kind of teacher she was. That's the kind of person she was. A lot of us will think back fondly on that time with her and miss her."
"Liba Feuerstein was my teacher--in that fabled AP English class. But it was about so much more than literature and writing. She taught me about history, and about people. She was the first teacher who prepared me for how the world really is--how difficult it can be, and how beautiful. She never underestimated us, and she spoke to us like adults. I think it appealed to us, and made us want to earn more of that respect. She expected us to rise to the occasion, and we did. She challenged me and taught me how to be more thoughtful. She taught me how to be principled and how to live up to my own potential. She was a friend who invited us all into her life and into her home. I remained in touch with her after I graduated--she even fixed me up on a blind date with the son of one of her friends. She was an exceptionally smart and strong woman, and she impacted my life in many ways. How lucky we were to have known her and to have had her as a teacher. I only just now heard the news of her passing, and I wanted to share my remembrance.
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"I was a student in Mrs. Feuerstein's AP English class in the mid 90s. Being her student was one of the toughest and most rewarding experiences I have ever had. When I think back on high school, and the people who shaped my critical thinking skills, Mrs. Feuerstein is at the top of the list. So sorry to hear of her passing. "
"I loved this lady! So fabulous. I had the honor of taking care of her skin and beauty (on the outside).....but it is her inner beauty I will carry with me forever. I loved "arguing" politics with her. She taught me knew words like "autodidact" and "polymath" (both describe my husband). She gave me a great necklace she bought at in Arizona when she was a new wife.....when I became a new wife. We shared so much in our views of life and marriage. I love you Liba.....and am so happy you are with your love again! "
"I was also a student of Liba's at Granada Hills High School in the late '70s. She and Joe Compese (who passed away just after I graduated) were extremely influential in shaping my view of the world. Both are missed tremendously. Liba taught all of us quite a bit about the fraility and beauty of life, and why it should be respected in all circumstances. She challenged our thinking, and I believe Liba helped mold a generation of students that (I hope) have gone on to change the world for the better. I will be saying a Kaddish for her. Thank you, Mrs. Feuerstein, you will be missed."
"I was a student of Liba's at Granada Hills High School in the 1970's. Once, I was depressed because I felt that I didn't have any real friends, and I talked to Liba about it. She suggested I read Martin Buber's I AND THOU. That book changed my life. It had a profound effect on me and made me only want to have relationships that were authentic and based on genuine affection. She was one of only three teachers in my life who made a real difference and who I stayed in touch with after I graduated. I'll always remember her as a great lady and a wonderful person."
"There was never a time that we were together that she didn't have a joke, a story, a viewpoint, a far-reaching knowledge of so many subjects. I will miss her intelligence, sense of humor and her indelible presence in our lives."