When I learned of Melanie’s death, I thought of three things immediately:
- Her arriving as first director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, which meant to me that there would surely be an organization like we all needed and of course she went on to work with so many to make it happen.
- Reading the story and book I always call My Jewish Nose and Other Stories and which she always had to remind me was My Jewish FACE and Other Stories. Either way it touched me deeply.
- Her amazing poem after 9/11 which I had the honor of hearing her read. I remember it still with tears and wonder.
Her body is gone. Her spirit lives and thrives and inspires. For Leslie and all who loved her, I hope you know how much.
—Rabbi Ellen Lippmann