Love, learning at Melton

NICOLE NOZICK

Edward Friederici and Janet Strang were bashert (fated). The two Florence Melton Adult Mini-School students spent 20 warm and wonderful years together. "We were very happily married," said Friederici, 73, "when I lost Janet so suddenly, so unexpectedly, it left me in a state of shock."

Friederici explained, "Although Janet wasn't Jewish, and neither am I, Judaism resonated deeply with her. Janet signed up for the Melton program and graduated after two years. She absolutely loved it, she was inspired by the studies and felt that Judaism was a religion that 'spoke' to her."

In fact, Melton had such a deep impact on Strang that, after graduating, she immediately signed up again to take it from the beginning. And this time, inspired by her enthusiasm for the program, her husband joined her. "Learning together was a deeply bonding experience for us. It brought us together on many levels," he said.

"One of the wonderful things about Melton is that there is so much to learn, and so many layers of understanding. When you take the course you realize the depth of Judaism– both its cultural and religious aspects. Janet told me that taking the two-year program was only scratching the surface. It left her thirsting for more knowledge."

In March 2009, Strang was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, four weeks later, she was gone. A rabbi said Kaddish at her burial, which was attended by hundreds. "In just one month, my darling wife, my best friend, my life partner, was gone," said Friederici.

Strang didn't get to complete the program and Friederici feels unable to return just yet, however, he felt it was imperative for him to honor the memory of his beloved wife in a significant way. In May of this year, he established the Janet Strang Endowment Fund for students of Melton.

"I wanted to do this for her," he explained. "Janet cherished her time at Melton and the knowledge she gained. I know that this is something she would have wanted– to have her name associated with something powerful, that meant so much to her, and means so much to all the students who enrol."

While friends and family donated, Friederici topped up the fund and earmarked it for any student who wants to enrol in Melton but lacks the funds. "It doesn't matter if they are Jewish or not," said Friederici. "Every year, on Janet's birthday, I hope to donate to this endowment fund in her honor."

Nicole Nozick is director of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School. She takes over from a recently retired Betty Nitkin. This year's classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver and Thursday, Sept. 24, at Congregation Har El in West Vancouver. For detailed information about times, instructors and course content, contact Nozick, at 604-638-7278 or visit jccgv.com.

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