We are saddened to share the passing of longtime congregant and friend to many members, George Fendel z"l, who died Thursday, July 16, at age 83.

An aficionado of jazz and the Great American Songbook, he met Ira Gershwin and interviewed many jazz musicians. He had a collection of CDs and records in the thousands and hosted jazz radio programs for OPB, KMHD, and KKUL for 28 years. George played piano for several restaurants: The MAC Club, Sally’s, and others. For 11 years, he produced Jazz Piano concerts at Classic Pianos and was the president of the Jazz Society of Oregon. He played piano for many events at Neveh Shalom, weddings, celebrations, and simchas, also at The Rose Schnitzer Manor. George was very connected to Camp Solomon Schechter and was a beloved counselor. He also wrote jazz CD reviews for several publications, and for his own website, highstandardsjazz.org.

The highlight of his life was raising his three children: Marc Fendel (Jayne Simmons) West Seattle; Aliza Zeff (Rabbi Todd Zeff) Jerusalem, and Reyna Zack (Jeffrey Zack) Los Angeles; and rejoicing in six grandchildren: Maya Zeff, Joseph Zeff, Asher Zeff, Benny Zeff, Nili Zack, and Charlotte Zack. He is also survived by his siblings, Bette Lynn Menashe (Albert L. Menashe) and Michael Rick Fendel. He and Laurie have been married for 58 glorious years.

The memorial service was Sunday, July 19, at Neveh Shalom. Donations in George’s memory can be made to the CNS Gladys & Joseph Fendel Camp Fund, the CNS Feldstein Library Fund, or a check can be made in memory of George Fendel to Patrick Springer Presents Piano Concerts and sent to Laura Fendel.