Remembering Omus - rememberingomus

3/7/2012 3:34:57 AM - 002007429087
My grandfather, Lee Pravatiner, was Omus's cousin. We know very little about the Hirshbein side of the family and what little we do know we have found in the past few years by starting to work on family history projects. I do know that my grandparents kept the telegram that Omus and Esther sent them congratulating them on their marriage in their wedding album, and I know that we have pictures of Esther and Peretz and probably a few of a young Omus as well. In any case, when we found out Omus had passed away, my family and I wanted to express our condolences. Even though we never met him, it sounds like we truly missed out by not having that opportunity. - Jill Pravatiner

1/19/2012 11:03:03 PM - 004078724893
Dear Jessica and family: reading about the passing of Omus Hirshbein saddened me greatlly. My heart goes out to all of you. Treasured memories take me back to when I knew you both, Jessica [Yesseleh, we called you], and Omus, in our "youth," while we were students at the L.A. Yiddish Mittleshule, and as we acted in the Los Angeles Yiddish Kinder Theatre troup, doing marvelous plays in Yiddish, major productions that brought the entire Jewish community out to see us. You and Omus were a few years older than I, but I have kept the two of you close in my memories of those days. Omus was an amazing pianist, and never said no to playing for us whenever there was a piano around. Chopin and Schubert come back to me. And your Yiddish, Jessica, was my standard of how I wanted to speak it.
May the memory of Omus Hirshbein be for a blessing.
Leah [Leyeleh] Jachnuk Schweitzer
Valencia, CA
leyeleh@aol.com

1/12/2012 2:39:13 AM - 004076677227
Have wonderful memories of Omus over the years, what a wonderful human being...I know these last years have

1/12/2012 2:35:41 AM - 004076677227
been very difficult, and also much he adored his family,...Jessica, Peretz, Hillel, Laura and Emily, want you to know how much I cherished knowing Omus, what richness he brought to this planet, and how much you are all in my heart and thoughts right now, with much love, Ellen Shapiro

1/10/2012 3:51:35 PM - 004076345080
While I spoke with Jessica on Sunday afternoon, my eyes are tearing up as I read these tributes. What it evoked for me, over and again, is what an amazing human being Omus was. Omus intuitively recongized the difference between quality and shlack and never wavered. Having said this, his joie de vivre, his spirit, his embrace of everyone with whom he crossed paths--at the Y, on the street, everywhere--humanized him and made him truly unique.

I first met Omus at the SAJ where I served as Education Director from l975-l977. There, I had the priveledge to be involved with both Omus and Jessica as well as Hillel and Peretz. From the first day, I adored the boys--they were smart; eager; and loving. I believe it was Omus who mentioned my name to Reynold Levy when he/they were recruiting someone to suceceed Omus as the Y's Education Director so Omus could focus exclusively on Performing Arts. From l979-l985, Omus's office was adjacent to mine at the Y; it was a glorious period of renewing the Y on mutliple fronts: first and foremost, in Performing Arts. The Y Chamber symphony (which Gerry Schwartz wrote about above). To launch a Chamber Symphony at an institution like the Y with a 922 seat hall--audacious. And yet it energized the entire institution, as did the expanded offerings in other areas of the Arts (the yiddish theatre; chamber music series; the Poetry Center, solists, and more) as well as the substanatially expanded offerings in Lectures, Jewish education; and strenghtneed Nursery School, Arts education, and group services. It was a dynamic time at the Y which I will always cherish and Omus was singular in his bold vision of what could be; his ongoing comittment to mentor young artists; his comittment to quality and experimentation.

And all of this was done with a rare human touch, humor, and impecable human qualities. Omus was always available to colleagues to comment, advise and try to get it done. The Y then and no doubt now is always a five ring circus: i would often say it was the "craziness before the dinner party." But Omus was singular in what he brought: content, quality, human availabilty, and friendhship.

Jessica, Peretz, and Hillel: you have lost a dear husband, father, and grandfather for your kids. We have lost a dear colleague and friend. We send love and comfort to each of you. May his memory be a blessing.

John Ruskay

1/10/2012 6:35:26 AM - 004076641471
Dear Heirshbein Family
We are thinking of all of you right now and are very moved and sad about the loss of your very dear and very special Omus.
We wish we had spent more time with him and that our lives had intersected more. We loved every visit that we had with him.
Right now it is all of you that are on our minds. We are sending you love and a big hug. I hope that we see you soon.
Carrie, John, Jeremy, Leah, Micayla, Sarah and Mailing Greschner

1/9/2012 6:10:28 PM - 004076425768
Dear Jessica,Hillel, Peretz,Laura and Emily,
Raechelle i and the kids. are so sad about the loss of Omus. He was a very important and integral figure in the Paperny family. i can personally remember as a boy 35 years ago when i first went to NYC and he toured me around the city. His intellect and creativity was something we as a family were so proud to be connected to. Peretz, Hillel, i know we have not connected in a great deal of time and i apologize for that. I realize it has been a very difficult period for everyone and in particular Jessica. Your husband and father always cared so much for our family and i truly hope that we can continue his love for mishpacha. We love and are thinking about you!
Lorne, Raechelle, Leo and Shoshanna Paperny

1/9/2012 2:13:58 PM - 004076420301
To borrow from Brian Kellow's very accurate and compelling tribute, I am among those lucky enough to have been in Omus's orbit. Omus was my boss, and mentor for more than a decade during his wildly successful years as the creative force behind the 92nd Street Y's Renaissance as a major presence in the city's cultural scene. What a wild ride it was! At the time, I didn't fully realize what a unique creative force of nature Omus was, but many years in the business have made it very clear to me just how lucky I was to have him as a boss and role model so early in my career. Although our professional lives went separate ways, and we saw each other only a few times in recent decades, he remained a treasured friend.

There was so much I liked about the man it's hard to distill into a few words. He was a natural teacher, an excellent and inspirational boss, engaging and warm, well informed, as bright a person as I have ever met -the whole gamut of gifts -and never, ever dull. But, as talented as he was, Omus never spoke down to anyone, he was always reaching out for a way to educate and include.

Omus was the very rare combination of a powerful man and a genuinely nice person -all wrapped up in one delightful, brilliant, creative uncontainable dynamo. (Apparently, this was his natural state; it's all there in his Kindergarten report card!)

Omus would always light up whenever he mentioned Jessie, and his young sons Peretz and Hillel. It was obvious to anyone who knew him at all how much he adored his family. It's also obvious from the wonderful photos you share here how devoted and loving you all were to him as he struggled in recent years . What a wonderful bunch all you Hirshbeins are! It's heartbreaking to know there was so much suffering lately, but as Peretz so artfully said recently, now you can begin to remember Omus whole again. Although, your sense of loss must be unimaginable, I hope you can take comfort in many fond memories of this unique, delightful man.


Ken Beltrone

1/9/2012 2:12:06 PM - 004076420301
Ken Beltrone

1/9/2012 12:22:36 AM - 001005505210
Dear Jessica, Perez and Hillel:
Our hearts go out to you on the loss of your beloved Omus. How lucky you were to have been able to call him your own. Please get in touch next time you're out in L.A.
Your West Coast cousins,
Carol Shapiro and JL Singer

1/8/2012 5:09:16 PM - 004075697896
Among other great qualities, Omus also had a knack for recognizing living composers and their compositions. I first met Omus at the premiere of my H'un (Lacerations): In Memoriam 1966-1976, the work the 92nd Street Y Chamber Orchestra commissioned. After the first reading when the orchestra was still working through the work, before anyone could make any sense about the work (including the composer, who was extremely nervous for his first major NYC premiere), Omus came to me and told me it was 'a great work'. Later on, he also commissioned My Song, my first solo piano work written for Peter Serkin, and the Y Chamber Orchestra performed many works of mine.

Omus was a great music man of taste and class and I was very lucky to be his colleague and later friend. I miss him deeply...

Bright Sheng

1/7/2012 5:23:32 PM - 004075679710
My sincere condolences to Omus's wife and children. I have such wonderful memories of spending long hours, listening to great music and having stellar conversations with a man I consider my boss and my friend. He was truly one of kind and I am richer to have known him. I remember going to a concert at Alice Tully Hall with Omus and, besides introducing me to Alice Tully, having him enrich my musical knowledge with the boundless knowledge he seemed to possess.

1/7/2012 5:16:58 PM - 004075479708
Dear Jessica, Peretz, and Hillel,
We recently returned to NY to read that our dear friend Omus had passed away. When we think of Omus, we think of a man who seemed to create miracles. He made the 92nd St Y into a major cultural center in this city, the cultural capitol of our country. He presented unknown young artists, who he had faith in because of his exquisite taste. Many are the stars of today. He reinvigorated the careers of people like Shura Cherkassky because he believed in his remarkable artistry. Imagine, he created an orchestra that lived for 25 years, enhanced the repertoire with old and new, and as we look back, was a very bright spot in musical life for that period. He created festivals, series, and events, such as our performances of all the Beethoven Concertos with Alfred Brendel at Carnegie Hall. There were so many skeptics, but Omus knew of the importance of this cycle and persevered. The sold out concerts, proved him correct. His infectious enthusiasm was able to bring so many of us to believe in his causes. He created a Chamber Music Series which exists to this day. He tried to bring Classical Music to more people, to enhance their lives. He was a loyal friend to so many of us, and he made us laugh on a daily basis. There are so many stories. After the dress rehearsal of the 6 Brandenburgs that we performed annually during the period between Christmas and New Years, Omus drove his trusty navy Cadillac around the corner to pick up the Champagne for his and Jessica's annual New Years Party at 340 Riverside. Omus took his silver metal briefcase out of the trunk, to make room for the Champagne, and then proceeded to drive home. When he arrived home, he realized he had left his briefcase on the street and immediately returned to 3rd Avenue to retrieve it. When he arrived there was a tremendous commotion, with police and the bomb squad surrounding his briefcase in middle of the street. They were convinced it was a bomb. Omus ran up to them and apologized and all was well, and no doubt charmed them into forgiveness. It is that twinkle in his eye and his infectious zest for great music and great everything that I will always remember and miss. We all send much love to you and know how much he will be remembered.
Jerry Schwarz and family

1/7/2012 4:57:02 PM - 004075879404
Such tremendous energy, passion, intellect, humor, compassion and energy (did I mention energy?). As Jessica wished for me upon my mother's passing, I wish for her, Peretz, Hilly and all who loved him, that their mourning be filled with the happiest memories of their lives with him. My heart is with you.
--Alice Kornhauser, Portland, Maine

1/7/2012 4:30:07 PM - 004074578881
Omus could hear and listen to music in an extraordinary way. I keep thinking about the Marantz rub receiver he so treasured. I hadn't seen him for a long time but I will miss him nevertheless. Thank your creating this page, Peretz.

1/7/2012 12:49:23 PM - 000045888995
92nd St Y notice from NYTimes:

HIRSHBEIN--Omus - The 92nd Street Y Board and Staff mourn the passing of Omus Hirshbein, who enriched our community for 20 years, serving as 92Y's director of education and performing arts from 1974 to 1994. Omus was an iconic example of Judaism's timeless tradition of enriching and expressing our souls through the arts and humanities. The world will deeply miss his vigor, dedication to education and creativity. We extend our fullest sympathies to Jessica and the entire Hirshbein family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Thomas S. Kaplan, President Fredric Mack, Chairman Sol Adler, Executive Director

1/6/2012 9:41:26 PM - 000045888995
from nytimes.com guestbook:

January 06, 2012
I'm so sad to hear about Omus' death. I was a young singer hired by him at the 92nd St Y and he was very kind to me. I liked him, and I loved the interesting and intelligent programming he did. A man with such a wonderful energy and smile.
~ Lisa Saffer, Naples, Maine

1/6/2012 7:48:08 PM - 001004546585
My brother James and mother Anne have already written of the joys of sharing 340 Riverside, especially the elevator, with Omus. His warmth, exuberance, and joy in music were infectious. As a serious classical piano student, music was sometimes a hard road for me as a teenager, but an interaction with Omus always lightened the way. My heart goes out to his family. Annie (Lowenthal) Hermans, Connecticut

1/6/2012 2:40:14 AM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 05, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about Omus. He was the nicest person we ever met. You could not meet Omus without feeling better about your day. Our condolences to Jessie and his sons and grandchildren. Sal and Mary Ann LaCarrubba

1/6/2012 2:37:39 AM - 004075755932
Our dear friend Jessie and her wonderful family,
I grew up in a home filled with classical music but it was Omus who made me realize the importance of music in my life. Although Norma and I attended Hunter College concerts with my parents for many years, we never met Omus until 1974 when he came to the 92nd St. Y. From our first meeting in 1974 until the onset of his illness, we always looked forward to the next time we would see him or talk to him or dine with him. His enthusiasm was infectious. He was always ready to introduce me to whichever celebrity or musical artist was coming into Kaufman Hall. He brought so many wonderful young artists onto the New York musical scene and was always ready to tell me "Wait till you here him (or her)". We will never forget him. Fondly and with much love, Ed and Norma Dworetzky

1/5/2012 2:12:21 PM - 004075541580
Dear Jessica, Hillel and Peretz:

I was very sorry to learn of Omus's passing, only after his funeral took place. Otherwise you would have seen me there. I have many warm recollections of working with him while I was a Managing Director at IMG Artists and he was Director of Arts and Lectures at the "Y". While he never let me cajole him into presenting an artist he really didn't want, he was always open-minded and attentive to my ideas. His impish humor made our meetings fun. He had exquisite taste and is largely responsible for establishing the very high level of the "Y"'s cultural offerings today. He also had a wonderful way of lighting up a room wherever he went. Although I didn't see him in recent years, I thought of him often. He was a beloved colleague and I know that many of us cherish warm memories of "our time with Omus". My deepest condolences to you and your extended family.

Edna Landau

1/5/2012 5:03:44 AM - 004075338904
Growing up in 340 Riverside Dr. with both my own father and Omus in the same building, perhaps I could be forgiven for thinking that wonderful, generous, sparkling, funny, personally and politically engaged and engaging, musically gifted menschen like the two of them were the norm. Now that both of them are gone (my father died 8 years ago now), their specialness is all the more apparent. It was always a treat to run into Omus: his infectious grin and "How ARE you??" and probing questions were so warm and sincere it was easy to forget that he was probably en route to something important at the Y, or the NEA, or his family -- but he always had warmth and curiosity and time to spare, it seemed. Stepping out of the elevator at 340 on Dec. 31st with my own wife Mary Beth and daughter Melle while visiting my mother Anne and Gene, I wondered how Omus was doing, as no doubt many others have been every day recently. Thank you, Omus, for setting such a high bar for how to live in the world, and helping others reach it.
James Lowenthal, Northampton, MA

1/5/2012 4:00:03 AM - 004075437925
We collided and colluded in many roles over the years and words elude my best efforts at expressing my affection for and appreciation of dear Omus. I didn't know how rich a time we'd have when Mr. Hurok asked me nearly 40 years ago to call "Almost" over ar Hunter. His support, his humor, his affection for music and all around him were unbounded. My sympathies go to his family and especially to Jessica who so lovingly watched over him in these last months and years. There will be many moments that I will savor the gift of his life.
--John Gingrich, New York

1/5/2012 3:12:01 AM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 04, 2012
I can only repeat what some others have said. This is a very sad day. We lived on 105th and west End when Hillel and Peretz attended Hebrew School. Our daughter, Ilana was a classmate. Omus regularly took her home during the week. We had some very good and intense conversations during our time at the SAJ. I always thought of him as a mensch.
~ Myron Bassman, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1/5/2012 3:04:43 AM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 04, 2012
THE DEAREST MAN;GREAT LOVER OF MUSIC;FRIEND OF COMPOSERS,PERFORMERS ALIKE.
~ JOHN DUFFY, CAMDEN, Maine

1/4/2012 11:03:28 PM - 002045618343
Dear Jessica, Peretz and Hillel,

Omus was my crazy, wonderful, loving, and very-much respected mentor for several years at the Arts Endowment. But for many years before that period, I savored the times I shared with Omus on NEA application review panels and visiting him at the "Y'.

Your loss is a loss for so many in the arts--and for the arts: we've lost a cherished musician and a sensitive curator of performance. May you take solace in the knowledge that Omus served so many and was loved by us all.

Joel Snyder

1/4/2012 4:36:12 PM - 004075623234
A great leader and example to all of us promoting live music. We'll miss you, Omus.

Gene Murrow, Gotham Early Music Scene, Inc.

1/4/2012 6:08:59 AM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 03, 2012
I want to send my deepest condolences to you, Omus' family. Many years ago, at Juilliard, where I taught French, and then at Hunter, where I also taught, I had occasion to work with Omus. Under his watch the Comédie frqnçaise came to NY and performed at Hunter, and I brought my class. He was a prince of a man, and I am sad to learn of his passing on.
~ JEANINE PLOTTEL, NY, New York

1/3/2012 10:19:18 PM - 001029892026
Dear Jessica, Peretz, and Hillel, you three and Omus have long been dear to my heart, as neighbors at 340 RSD. Our lives have been rich in friendship, music, elevator chats--and right now I'm looking out at a splendid sunset over the Hudson, which you might yourself be savoring. It reminds me of Omus's warmth and terrific energy. A fine tribute. I send loving condolences to you all. Anne Lowenthal

1/3/2012 6:36:32 PM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 03, 2012
Dear Jessica,
Although it's been many years since we were together, I feel Omus's loss deeply. I not only loved him--and you--but I feel honored to have known him. He will live in all our hearts,
~ Stanley Bank, New Rochelle, New York

1/3/2012 6:35:52 PM - 000045888995
from the nytimes.com guestbook:

January 03, 2012
Jessie,

Although we never spent enough time together, Judy and I loved Omus very much. I remember feeling sad when my mother and I saw the Hirshbeins drive away from Washington Heights on their way to California. Omus had been a frequent playmate. I'm sure that everyone who knew Omus feels as I do that we lost a truly unique and wonderful friend.

Our deepest condolences to you and to Peretz and Hillel. Let's try to keep in touch,

Love,

Judy & Vic
~ Victor Suben, Stony Brook, New York

1/3/2012 4:58:11 PM - 004075501106
Dear Hirshbein family,
I have just spoken with you personally, but wanted to again to know what fond and vibrant memories we have of Omus and of the whole Hirshbein family. We hope Omus and Jessica enjoyed watching our children grow up together as much as we did. We were also the appreciative recipients of Omus' musical knowlege and enjoyed access to a musical world that would have been foreign to us without Omus' generous invitations. Omus' irrepressible enthusiasm in everything he did was practically a trademark. We are so sad for all of you but know you have vibrant memories to sustain you.
Leslie and Dino Levi

1/3/2012 4:32:26 PM - 004075700359
I was honored to work with Omus at the Arts Endowment. I recall with delight and awe his impish sense of humor, his over-the top enthusiasm and dedication, and his evangelism and passion for music and its makers. He made a difference in the world. You have my heartfelt condolences. Hope O'Keeffe

1/3/2012 3:24:55 PM - 000045888995
from the nytimes guestbook:

January 03, 2012
Dear Jessica:
I was so sad to read of Omus' passing in the Times. What memories we share, not only in the music world, but the time we spent in East Hampton as well. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
~ Lee Walter, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

1/3/2012 3:24:28 PM - 000045888995
from the nytimes guestbook:

January 02, 2012
this is a very sad day for me-knowing and working with omus starting 1961/2 at the hunter college concert bureau and omus bringing me back into the box office business at the y in 1978 where we performed some real terrific stuff in our respected positions-a true mensch a wonderful husband and father and the real music man-no one could spot the talent of a young classical musician better than omus-no one-i am blessed for knowing him-to jessica the boys and their families my heart goes out to you-because i live in delaware now should you wish to reach out to me im on facebook-omus rest in peace my friend you worked hard and you did a great job-i will always love you-richard robbins

1/3/2012 3:23:23 PM - 000045888995
From the nytimes guestbook:

Jessica,

My heart is with you and yours as this sad time is now here.
Omus was brilliant, humorous and a true GentleMan.

Sheela Peace,

January 02, 2012
~ Sheela Peace, New York, New York

1/3/2012 3:22:28 PM - 000045888995
From the nytimes guestbook:

Words won't express the sadness I feel at the news of this loss. Music can. Lots and lots of music, so much of it made more beatiful and joyful to me by this amazing, brilliant man.
~ Kathryn Heintz, Bronx, New York

1/3/2012 5:41:00 AM - 004074795039
Jessica, You shared your gift of Omus with the NEA family for three years while he shuttled back and forth to DC. We adored him. But he was no bureaucrat, to his credit. Rather, he was intensely devoted to and enthusiastic towards artists and their role in the community. He was equally devoted to the creation of venues and audiences in order to share what he believed in and loved so much. All of us were energized by his passion and optimism for - well, heck, LIFE! What that sparkle in his eye or a mischievous smile could not convey, his hands would...he'd grab your arm - as if to say "don't miss that, it's just too wonderful!" He had an uncanny gift for making you feel like you were important...so, what made Omus, Omus? Was it those early years in Hollywood and later the confusions and profusions of his beloved New York City; long hours of rehearsing at the piano (while simultaneously reading comic books); an only child of a poet mother and a playwright father; or his Jewish roots and Yiddish fluency? All I know for sure is that there will never be another quite like him. Thank you, Jessica, for taking such good care of this dear man. Our hearts are full. Jan Stunkard (and Charles Shaw)

1/2/2012 7:22:54 PM - 004074578881
Jessica, Peretz & Hillel - I am so sorry, my heart is with you all. One of my fondest memories which I told some folks the other day. During the 1980 Winter Olympics, USA had just beaten Russia. We were in the middle of a NYCS series at the Y and this was on a Saturday. I went up to Omus and said "I'm very sorry but none of the stage crew will be showing up for work tomorrow." Omus - "WHAT WHAT WHY OH NO!, etc." Me - "The US just beat Russia in ice hockey and they play Finland for the gold tomorrow afternoon". He brought in three TV's and set them up in the art gallery so that we and the orchestra could keep an eye on the game. What a wonderful man. Sending you my love. Sylvia Yoshioka

1/2/2012 6:47:25 PM - 004074477914
A very moving service, especially the Saint-Saens! I'll always be grateful to Omus for helping me move along my chosen path. Alan Olshan

1/2/2012 3:00:29 PM - 004074771981
We both worked with Omus, at different times and different places, and loved everything about it - including the exasperation that keeping up with him and his 'outside the box' ways could arouse! His elfin quickness in thought and action, was married to his profound thinking about concert ideas, taste level and people. We will miss him.

1/2/2012 2:35:33 AM - 004074664511
Omus was a great inspiration to those who knew him and a force of nature in his advocacy for quality arts experiences. His legacy of artistic excellence, standards, decency, and optimism offers us all something to remember him by and allows his spirit to remain with us. His brief yet significant time with the Arts Endowment was of enormous benefit at a time when the agency faced insurmountable challenges. I admired Omus as a colleague and a friend. Wayne S. Brown, Director of Music and Opera - National Endowment for the Arts

1/2/2012 2:33:46 AM - 004074863477
Dear Jessica and the entire Hirshbein family,

Whenever I think of Omus, my heart fills with joy and I smile. His loving, ebullient spirit was irresistible. His passion and vision unparalleled. The depth of his kindness and empathy always left me in awe. I feel truly blessed for his friendship and am so deeply thankful. My heart goes out to you and I’m sending you prayers for peace in this most difficult time.
With love,
Maria Watson

1/1/2012 11:58:09 PM - 004074460141
We loved Omus. he was a joy, a man of great music, of love and generosity. Our
regret is that we didn't get to spend enought time togather. Olav Hasholem.

Elizabeth and Stuart Silver

1/1/2012 11:26:37 PM - 000083337770
To Jessie and the whole Hirshbein Family Martha and I send many hugs and fond remembrances of Omus. We first met when Omus worked with Norman Singer at Hunter and I was immediately struck by his passion for music and life and the fact that he seemed to move faster than the speed of light and that was the Omus that we all loved and admired for all these years. His disciples, the artists he introduced and supported and all of us who were touched by his spirit and generosity owe him a continuing debt of gratitude.

1/1/2012 11:14:38 PM - 004074558840

Jessica, Peretz & Hillel -

My heart is so full right now... of sorrow and loss, of course, but also with gratitude and wonder at what Omus gave me (and so many others.)  A living (and loving) connection to history (so many histories...) a sense of what it means to be both open-hearted and clear-eyed at the same time.  These are things that I learned frrom Omus, and they have been in my heart all these years. 

My love to you and all of yours.

 

1/1/2012 10:13:48 PM - 004074757673
Omus was a dear friend, a great impresario, a man a great taste, humor and class. The world of music and arts will miss him, and I will miss him as a friend.
Larry T

1/1/2012 7:43:43 PM - 004074654144
Dear Jessica, Peretz, Hillel and families:
In the past day, I've had so many conversations with people I once worked with at the Y. To all of us, his loss feels enormous; there's a sense of a great shift in all our lives. Coming to work for Omus in 1983--my first day happened to be his birthday--was a life-changer. It was only many years later that I came to realize how deeply this move affected me, and how much it opened up in my life: the learning and discovery of so much, the blossoming of friendships that are still close and binding ones. To those of us who worked for him, Omus didn't lecture: he led and taught by his own glorious example. And he was more fun than just about anyone I've ever known. I'll never forget how happy I was, after I left the Y, to see my wonderful boss become an even closer and dearer friend than he had been before.
When I get together with some of my old pals from the Y, what do we do? We tell Omus stories. I hope he knew what indelibly rich memories he gave us.
Much love to you all,
Brian K.

1/1/2012 6:14:01 PM - 004074852235
My deepest condolences for the entire Hirshbein Family; our thoughts and hearts are with you. Omus was such an amazing person. I am so blessed to have known this remarkable man and be one of the so many to benefit from his wisdom, kindness and generosity.

1/1/2012 4:12:21 AM - 001050483160
My heart goes out to all of you. Omus was a wonderful man! He will be missed dearly.Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I send hugs to everyone.

12/31/2011 11:37:30 PM - 004074443383
For the beautiful Hirshbein Family:
My heart is aching from the loss of my dear friend, my mentor, my teacher. I am sending all of you love and wishes for peace as I mourn. Omus changed my life, gave me wings, gave me courage. He and Jessie gave me love and nurture and the care of parents. His place in my heart is huge and will never be forgotten. Blessed be to all of you, whom he loved so, so dearly.