Elaine Rosenberg 1941-2015
Elaine Rosenberg-Kuritzky was a much loved member of her local ESRA branch. One of the founding members of the ESRA Five Towns committee, Elaine was devoted and enterprising in every way. From organizing an ESRA two-day cruise to Cyprus, planning a jazz concert for 150 people in a private Caesarea garden, to starting the new bookshop. She is greatly missed by all of us. Elaine was a great supporter of those in need, and in her honor our ESRA branch recently donated an air conditioning unit to a center for children at risk in Or Akiva. Elaine was born in 1941 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The middle child of three sisters, her early teenage years were with her elder sister in Cape Town, living with relatives, attending a catholic school and participating in sports. She was a great swimmer and played ball games. Following her return to Johannesburg she attended high school and worked to help support the family. Elaine met Leon and they married in 1958, making aliyah in 1962 with the first two of their three children, the last of whom was born in Israel. Elaine began working for the U.S. based company CARE forming very productive connections, support and aid for the refugee population in Gaza and the surroundings. These years shaped her decision to direct her professional efforts and plans towards helping people in need. Elaine completed her matriculation exams by correspondence with a South African company, excelling in her exams. She was then accepted for social studies at Tel Aviv University, while continuing to support and raise her children and care for the family. Following her Bachelors degree Elaine joined two government-based mental health clinics in Tel Aviv and at Kupat Cholim in Ramat Chen.
The couple pictured later in life
She helped create the family therapy program for groups and ensured mental health support services for the participants. Elaine initiated and coordinated various therapy approaches incorporating art, drama and music as part of the group therapy theme. During the years at Ramat Chen, Elaine continued to complete her Masters degree in social work and family therapy at Bar Ilan University. She formed groups and a great base of support until her retirement. In later years she joined the Pardessia hospital for mental health, coaching and aiding people in need of health care and support. Her retirement also offered her the opportunity to devote time to her family and to enjoy and take an active role in raising her grandchildren. The last few years required that much of her attention be devoted to caring for her beloved husband, Leon, and very soon after his passing Elaine found strength in attending Torah studies at the synagogue, and continued her volunteering with ESRA.
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