David Kruger This short 3 minute video about Lizzie will be played at the Beit Uri Chanuka event this year. This year's program is being dedicated in memorial to Lizzie.

David Kruger We can't think of a better way to remember Lizzie's life than to support the things she loved the most - music, song and children with special needs. Lizzie and I were blessed to find a warm and loving home for our daughter, Shoshi, at Beit Uri in Afula, Israel. Please consider makeing a donation in memory of our sweet Lizzie to support the music programs at Beit Uri. Click on the link below to go to the donation page on JGive. com https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/84413/about

David Kruger Lizzie's 65th birthday celebration was a family event on our "mirpeset" in Modiin. Lizzie and I were enjoying all that life has to offer with yummy chinese food. Just a few short months later her health began to decline.

David Kruger Lizzie with family circa 1962

Gene Robinson Second or Third Grade

David Kruger Lizzie with family circa 1966

VeeVee Merlin-Knopp In addition to having been blessed with knowing dear Liz throughout my childhood growing up in Buffalo, I had a short opportunity to supervise students at Melabev while Liz led their music program. Whenever I heard the guitar playing, I’d run to get a peak at Liz at work with her Alzheimer’s groups. The love and caring that Liz gave to them through her music was phenomenal. She brightened my day, as well as theirs. She will be greatly missed by all. Rest In Peace, dear Lizzie❤️

janice bent When I think of Liz I think of her lover for children, music and her religion. Taña and I visited her in Charlottesville when she was single. She taught Taña piano and Shabbat songs which she loves to this day. Such a loving,giving person.

Gene Robinson Hauntingly beautiful pictures of young adult Lizzie from Sharon Honig-Bear. Says Sharon: “She was an extraordinary person and I will always be grateful for the ways in which she welcomed me into her life in Charlottesville. Fond memories...”

David Kruger Lizzie and I first met at shul one Shabbat morning in Charlottesville, VA and we started to date a few months later

David Kruger Lizzie and I were married on a hot summer day on our family farm located in Nelson County, Virginia - about 20 miles south of Charlottesville. It was a joyous day that I will never forget.

Dela Alexander Back in 1979-80, Liz was our neighbor on Stribling Avenue in Charlottesville, Virginia. With David and his three brothers, Liz helped raise the profile of the Jewish community in general and brought energy and vitality to the Shabbat morning minyan. The picture was taken in 1982 at the Simchat Bat of our daughter, Talia. My wife, Dela is smiling next to Liz who, as usual, is radiating joy and positivity. Liz spread goodness and gladness wherever she went. All who heard her sing, saw her smile, or received her kind words are better for it. We are all now made poorer for her absence. With love and hugs, Rabbi Dan Alexander

Ahuva Lipman When I was Liz's guitar student, she recruited me to perform Chanukah songs with her at the Hebrew Home. I am not as musically talented as Liz nor do I like to perform, but one memory stands out from that day that exemplifies Liz's innate talent for relating to others. One elderly man was not enjoying the Chanukah music, and was vocalizing his dislike of our songs. Liz went over to him and started playing a patriotic song - I think it was "Grand Old Flag" - and he quieted down. By the end of the song he was singing along. I remember that my mother asked Liz how she knew he would like that song, and she just sort of shrugged her shoulders. She just knew. I spent a year or so taking guitar lessons from Liz, but I really got to know her when I came to the Kruger home to spend time with Shoshie. Liz always made me feel warm and welcome. She exuded happiness and optimism. It's difficult to express in words exactly why and how Liz made such a big impact on my life, but I will say that the overwhelming grief I felt when I heard she had passed surprised me. Unfortunately for me, I had not been in touch with the Krugers in years. But, as others have said, the world felt darker. True Simchat Chaim... That is what comes to mind when I think of Liz. She was a trove of happiness and love that she spread graciously to the world around her. May Hashem comfort you and May Liz's memory be a blessing -- יהי זכרה ברוך.

David Kruger Seder preparation

David Kruger Lizzie was the Song Leader at Camp JCC in Rockville, Maryland for almost 10 years. These pictures were taken in 2006

David Kruger Singing Pesach songs with Schorr family

Hawa Thomas I met Liz when I started working with her daughter Shoshi at JFGH. Liz and I connected so well to the point where we became good friends Though I performed my professional duties taking care and supporting her daughter, our relationship became stronger and stronger as friends. Beautiful soul, RIP my friend

Carri Wasserberg This picture was taken Aug/Sept 2014. I had the privilege to work with Liz on the Drop of Honey service that we ran at Har Tzeon during Rosh Hashanah. We would meet at her home for several hours at a time putting the machzor together. I was always impressed with her knowledge of Hebrew and tiffilah. Even more so, how she connected with a diverse group of people from young to old and with an array of individual with who were differently able. This picture is of Liz with my son, Joseph, where she humored his “interest” in the guitar. He is now 15 and proficient on the clarinet. He plays in Blair’s symphony and marching band. I just love music people, including Liz.

Fran Abramson Liz and I were so grateful to be sister moms and respectively, celebrating and opening our hearts to our new extended families. To be able to share such joy is no small blessing and I treasure all the precious time we were able to be moms, bubbie and nana together no matter the physical distances that often separated us.

Laurie Wood Liz and I actually met at the Hebrew home back in the early 90s. She has been a amazing friend who has come to my home for Hanukkah year after year raising my children and my grandchildren. These Our pictures of her last Hanukkah at my house before she moved to Israel. She brought joy , spirit , love Singing and lighting the candles together For generations of people. I loved her dearly and was blessed and honored To be her friend. She helped me through so many things in life.

Diana Robinson Lizzie and Sally singing and playing guitar at the ketubah signing of her nephew and niece-in-law, Aaron and Diana. So much joy!

Natalie Sher So many gorgeous memories of Liz, as we both started our lives in Modiin at the same time. This was the first Purim we shared together at our first apartment. Always joyful and songful. A ray of sunshine. Our lives are all a drop less vibrant without you in them. Sending all the love in the world to your magnificent family.

Diana Robinson Lizzie with Sally and Gene, celebrating Gene's Wolf Prize.

David Kruger Marion Although I don't know Liz's family, I felt that I had to visit her and pay respects. I realised that you place importance on family photographs, and remembered that I also have some, which I am attaching. Below is the story of how I came to know Liz. Once again, my condolences, and I wish you all only good things happening in the future. The first time I met Liz was on Yom Kippur and I think it may have been 2017. I walked into shul in the afternoon and went to sit with a friend I have known almost all my life, Ruth Serfaty. We both grew up in Leeds, England. Ruth had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and was very upset, telling Liz, who was sitting next to her, that she was dying. I didn’t know who Liz was then, and I don’t know if she realized the situation, but she had her arm around her and seemed to be consoling her. I was able to tell Ruth that she has a serious illness, but she isn’t dying, and that seemed to calm her down. The next thing that I knew was that Liz was visiting Ruth with her guitar, and since Ruth loves music and singing, this was great therapy for her. Shortly afterwards Ruth turned 70, and her friends had a get together in her home. Liz came with her guitar, and we sang songs. I am attaching photographs. It is clear that Ruth was truly enjoying herself, thanks to Liz. Eventually a small group of friends and caring neighbours grew out of this initiative that would meet once a month for a sing song and a cup of tea, and if Liz could join us, she did so. What she did was a small gesture, but it had a big impact. She was a very special person who set a fine example to others. She made a difference.

Diana Robinson Orly's Simchat Bat

David Kruger Lizzie doing what she loved best - singing for seniors with dimensia and alzhiemers at Melabev - an adult day program - in Jerusalem. Her bright smile and gift of song brought light and joy into so many lives. Lizzie sang in English, Hebrew, Russian, French, Ladino and Spanish and had a repertiore of hundreds of songs. On many occasions, Lizzie would come home from a gig and share with me that the participants we tell her "you add life to our day and days to our lives".

Naomi Kruger Dancing with Orly ❤️

David Kruger Lizzie singing "Dreamland" for our grandchildren

Naomi Kruger Mommy/ Nanas trip to Chicago!

Diana Robinson We are so grateful that Lizzie was able to meet her great niece, Alice, who was sleeping in the stroller. <3

Jamie Kahn-Heckelman Liz saved the day at my and Josh’s wedding badekkin, where we had no idea what to do. She brought her guitar and immediately knew what to do to get the crowd going. She saved the day!!

Laurie Wood Our Kemp Mill Group of friends Excited to see Liz on one of her visits home to Silver Spring!! She always managed to squeeze in a visit even though she had 100 things to do! We love you so much Liz!

Hawa Thomas Liz sent this Christmas tree to me last Christmas from Israel.Even though she was sick, she was still thinking of others. She remembered how I feel about Christmas. That's how thoughtful she was of others. Beautiful soul.

Cheryl Essers Dear David- Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our love for Lizzie. Our hearts are heavy as we try to cope with the loss of Lizzie. She was lively and lovely, irrepressible and positive, a songbird with a heart that extended to so many that included my mom, Sylvia Friedman, her elderly. neighbor. Amidst her own challenges and busy life, Lizzie devotedly visited Sylvia. They confided, kibitzed, spoke Yiddish together, shared recipes, advice and a deep sweet love for one another. On Shabbos, Lizzie regularly visited Sylvia to shmooze and to play Rummikub. Lizzie took her losses at the game in stride, often leaving with a, “I’ll be back next week Sylvia to challenge you and maybe win this time!:)” The first picture was taken in Oct 2021 when Lizzie and David visited Sylvia. Lizzie was vibrant and happy to be in the US visiting family and friends. At that time Lizzie asked if she could FaceTime Sylvia from Israel and do a series of Sing Alongs with her. We very excitedly arranged for the first session in mid December 2021. This video is one of the songs that Lizzie sang to Sylvia on FaceTime while I recorded the singing and their priceless tribute to one another at the end of the song. Lizzie, you brought such pure light and love to my mom and to our family. We will love you forever. Sylvia Friedman, Cheryl and Louis Essers

Cheryl Essers Dear David- Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our love for Lizzie. Our hearts are heavy as we try to cope with the loss of Lizzie. She was lively and lovely, irrepressible and positive, a songbird with a heart that extended to so many that included my mom, Sylvia Friedman, her elderly. neighbor. Amidst her own challenges and busy life, Lizzie devotedly visited Sylvia. They confided, kibitzed, spoke Yiddish together, shared recipes, advice and a deep sweet love for one another. On Shabbos, Lizzie regularly visited Sylvia to shmooze and to play Rummikub. Lizzie took her losses at the game in stride, often leaving with a, “I’ll be back next week Sylvia to challenge you and maybe win this time!:)” The first picture was taken in Oct 2021 when Lizzie and David visited Sylvia. Lizzie was vibrant and happy to be in the US visiting family and friends. At that time Lizzie asked if she could FaceTime Sylvia from Israel and do a series of Sing Alongs with her. We very excitedly arranged for the first session in mid December 2021. This video is one of the songs that Lizzie sang to Sylvia on FaceTime while I recorded the singing and their priceless tribute to one another at the end of the song. Lizzie, you brought such pure light and love to my mom and to our family. We will love you forever. Sylvia Friedman, Cheryl and Louis Essers

Zahava Altshul Mommy/Nana and Saba at the girls triathlon in Eilat! Best cheerleaders ever!

David Kruger Nancy Morentz I've been on the Iron Nana What's App chain from the beginning of Liz's battle, and - like so many others - I am devastated beyond imagination about her current state. Your wife is one of the best people I have ever known. Her talent, wisdom, sense of humor, kindness and above all the joy she radiates are second to none. I fmet Liz many years ago when I was Activities Director at an assisted living community and she entertained the residents. We became friends and Liz joined the book group I was in, so even after I retired we remained close. Liz was incredibly sweet to my Mom, who lived at the assisted living where I worked, and Liz entertained at her 95th birthday party. Here are a couple of photos from that event. (My mom's nickname was Mickey, hence the Mickey Mouse-themed party, and little girl on Liz's lap is my granddaughter.) I pray every day for Liz. Your family is amazing, and I loved watching the video of her loved ones surrounding her with music and visitors.

David Kruger Carole and Barry Silvermetz We can not begin to express our deep condolences to you and your family, to friends and all the mourners of Zion. Liz was a shining light in this world. She exuded optimism and a can do attitude with a glowing smile. The day she left this earth was our son’s wedding. We have to believe that on her heavenly journey she was with us, enjoying the music and the spirit. May her memory be a blessing.

Michele Joseph Lizzie, we love you and miss you dearly. For over 20 years the Krugers lived next to my childhood home on Kenbrook Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland. I remember my Zahava babysitting my son Austin, then later Austin at age 7 reading to Shoshi. Then I recall power walking with Lizzie through the neighborhood. When my family moved to New Jersey, I was reassured that Lizzy would look after my mom like her own. She did:-) Her smile and positive spirit are infectious. I always felt uplifted when I saw her and spent time with her. I attended Shoshi’s Batmitzvah and Zahava’s joyous wedding. Lizzy was always front and center as the heart of the family. When the family moved to Israel, I promised to visit. I lived vicariously through Lizzy’s WhatsApp pictures and saw how her precious grand babies grew. When I was diagnosed with cancer, she shared her thoughts via WhatsApp. Once again she uplifted me with her words of encouragement. I remember sending my own birthday song via WhatsApp when she celebrated her 65th birthday. Lizzy we love and miss you. Your infectious smile, laughter and songs will be with us forever. Blessings and prayers to David and family. Be comforted to know Lizzy is out of pain and playing her guitar among angels. Michele, Kelvin, Elsie and Austin Joseph

David Kruger Shoshi Trombka I so wish a different opportunity could have arisen for me to take a moment to reflect on how lucky I am to have the influence of Mrs. Kruger live on in my memories and in my heart. I met your family in the fall of 2011 and began what I thought would be my friendship with Shoshi - but of course - no one can actually be friends with just one member of your special family. I was immediately embraced by everyone else around - most often by Mr. and Mrs. Kruger, but truly by every visitor, shabbos guest, friend, neighbor in your home, and of course by Zahava and Naomi when you each were in town. Spending shabbat afternoons in your home for my four years of high school gave me the privilege of having a front-row-seat to who your family is at its core: loving, proactive, innovative, and welcoming. I was always inspired how your family prioritized the comfort of others - whether that be by buying me special BBQ chips for shabbat afternoons, introducing me as "Shoshi's good friend" to everyone in your busy home, and making me, and so many others, feel like we had a part in your family story. I recall one of Shoshi's home aids, Howa, having her praises sung by Mrs. Kruger extensively one afternoon. It was clear from her face that Howa had heard these praises in your home many times before. I had the pleasure of meeting some others of Shoshi's friends at her Max's birthday party, and Mrs. Kruger was up to date on everyone's whereabouts, what made them special, and she made sure to remind them of those constantly. Mrs. Kruger taught me an incredible lesson that you always have something you can give - you time, a compliment, or a bright smile, and I was always inspired how she would be extremely committed to helping Shoshi donate her hair every-other-year. If Mrs. Kruger had lived her life on the receiving end, we would still have endless reasons to praise her, but that is not who she was. Mrs. Kruger's very essence was a gift, and in that spirit, she never wasn't giving. Throughout the funeral, so many spoke about Mrs. Kruger's everlasting positivity, and I will now forever hear her voice saying "Kadima" in my head throughout tough times. I recall one shabbat, right after Mrs. Kruger had knee-replacement surgery. She came out with a walker so excited to show me her incision and to share how wonderful it was to have a new knee. Most people I know would not be that excited to show off their scar, and I do not think anyone else would be so outwardly excited and positive after this surgery. Mrs. Kruger made sure to celebrate my milestones, even as small as my graduation from high-school. She and Shoshi came for the beginning, and brought flowers, but then, Mrs. Kruger stayed for the entire evening and even wrote a Facebook post congratulating me afterwards. How lucky was I, that just a few years later, while my grandmother was living in the Hebrew Home, Mrs. Kruger took a special liking to my Bubbie, and gave her so much love throughout her erev shabbat programming. I'd like to think that because Mrs. Kruger already knew our family, she was able to show so much love to my Bubbie, but I also know that Mrs. Kruger had a special gift that made everyone she encountered feel like a VIP. A few weeks after my grandmother passed away, Mrs. Kruger called me from Israel expressing her love for my Bubbie and shared more on their special relationship. I was so touched. As Naomi mentioned during the funeral, Mrs. Kruger has an immense welcoming committee up in shamayim, and I feel comforted in knowing that my Bubbie will be able to continue her love for this incredibly special woman, and I truly hope she can begin to recognize the comfort, joy, and relaxation she brought to so many through her music, loving spirit, and all-around perfection. I would be remiss if I ended this note without mentioning how much Mrs. Kruger loved and was proud of her girls. In the weeks leading up to any visit from the Israel gang, all sorts of boxes, gifts, and riding toys would mysteriously appear, and you just knew that Nana's favorite season was just beginning. Zahava, your mother would continuously speak about how proud she was of you, and your gang of little ladies. She would so lovingly recall the special outings she took with your girls, and would imitate their little voices calling out "Nana" in excitement. Naomi, your mother always spoke about you with the highest respect. When you and Junior were getting more serious, she would sheepishly share little updates about your relationship, but made it very clear that she didn't want to be too nosey. She got so excited when you planned a visit, and gave me a very excited, but secret, rundown after she got to spend time with you and Junior. Shoshi, your mom was incredibly proud of all limits you far surpassed, and sense of love you shared with so many. You are a clear product of her overflowing heart. Your family is an incredible testament to Mrs. Kruger's legacy. She touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, and I feel so lucky to be among them. She will always be remembered, and I hope to be more like her in so many ways. Your family is in my tefillot, and I am sending you all love and strength. HaMakom Yinachem Etchem Btoch She'ar Avelei Tziyon V'Yereushalayim

David Kruger On the 7th day of shiva it is customary in Israel to visit the burial site. It was surreal, intense, heartbreaking, intimate and comforting to visit Mommy and we asked her again to never stop singing her song 💔🎶

Elyse Kruger There have been so many beautiful memories, you are forever in my heart.

David Kruger Article in the Washington Jewish Week - May 17, 2023 By: Jillian Diamond Kol Shalom Memorial Concert Celebrates Community Musician A musician, teacher, caregiver and friend — to many people in the Washington area, Elizabeth Robinson Kruger was all of these. “Liz” or “Lizzie,” as her friends called her, was the resident musician at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington for over 30 years and left an impact on the people around her. She passed away last September. Now, a group of local musicians will honor her memory with a free concert at Kol Shalom on May 21. Among the songs they will perform are several that Kruger composed. Kruger grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. She spent six years as a special education teacher in Virginia before moving with her husband, David, to Silver Spring to start providing music therapy at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington. She performed for the residents and encouraged them to engage in music themselves. “One thing to know about Liz is that she had a huge heart,” said Sally Heckelman, Kruger’s sister. Heckelman organized the concert at Kol Shalom, where she is the chazzan. “She was always helping everybody and being there for everybody. She was the glue for our family and had a very positive attitude on life. She only saw the glass half full, was very warm and loving, made friends wherever she went and treated everybody with so much respect and so much love.” Kruger’s family came up with the idea for the memorial concert while Kruger was still alive. She was spending the summer of 2022 in Israel with her family. Kruger had been diagnosed with Leptomeningeal disease, a cancer that spreads to the brain through spinal fluid. Her family wanted to do something to honor her memory when she passed. “We used to sing together when we were young,” Heckelman recalled, “And we continued through adulthood. Our first concert was at a Soviet Jewry rally. We did a lot of music together.” Heckelman and her family are among the performers in the concert. The event description written by Heckelman and David Kruger notes that Liz Kruger kept composing songs even when she was receiving treatment in the hospital. Her last piece encouraged her family to never give up and keep moving forward. While the concert is free, donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go to Beit Uri, a residential village for adults with special needs in Afula, Israel. The Krugers’ daughter, Shoshana “Shoshi” Kruger, moved to Beit Uri in 2017 when the family made aliyah. Heckelman said that Liz Kruger had been diagnosed with cancer before, and she wanted to find a place with proper accommodations for her daughter. “That was a big relief for Liz, knowing that her daughter was in a good place,” Heckelman said. Heckelman hopes the concert keeps her sister’s memory alive, bringing people together and showcasing the healing power of music. “We can keep our memories of her alive through music, so her spirit lives on through all of us that continue to remember how wonderful she was,” she said. “And to sing her songs, keep living life to the fullest and enjoy each day. That’s what she would want us all to do, because that’s what she did.”

David Kruger I prepared this video for the Liz Kruger Memorial concert that was held on May 21, 2023.