Lorna Adelman
Lorna Adelman, A True Blessing
by Stan Rosenthal
With a heavy heart I write of the passing of a truly remarkable person, Lorna Adelman.
Lorna was so many things, brave, intelligent, caring, a wife, Mom, grandmother, great grandmother, activist for just causes, prison volunteer, observant Jew, and so much more.
I met Lorna over 25 years ago when her love of Judaism compelled her and other wonderful volunteers to join the men living in Pennsylvania's largest prison, SCI-Graterford, for Saturday morning Shabbat services. These wonderful folks from Congregation Beth Sholom in Elkins Park, PA were driven to ensure Jews everywhere, including those in prisons, were able to practice Judaism.
Lorna was a fierce advocate for just causes. She would not back down from any government entity if she believed Jews were hampered from practicing their religion. Once informed of a road block, Lorna would spring into action to advocate and at times demand better treatment for the men inside. Whether she went to Russia, U.S. prisons, or other places, Lorna never held back her feelings that Jews everywhere should have complete religious freedom to worship and observe High Holy Days as prescribed by Jewish laws.
Lorna's monthly visits to attend Shabbat services were highly anticipated. Upon greeting our group she started her inquiry to learn if our religious needs were being met. The entire group from Congregation Beth Sholom was equally concerned.
On occasion, Lorna would deliver the weekly sermon in the form of an inspirational story based on her well traveled life. Her sermons were special as they were not literal Biblical retellings but what living the Biblical message looked like as taken from her personal experiences.
In this part historical, part current event sermon we learned how Lorna lived Biblical messages through her actions, thoughts, and words.
Also, Lorna was a grandmotherly figure to many of the men, including me. She was always encouraging each of us to achieve all we can and to take advantage of anything positive offered in spite of our conditions. Lorna was always supportive, caring, and loving as she generously shared from a wealth of wisdom. When we faced a stumbling, Lorna would instantly offer no less than five possible solutions. She was a Supergrandmom with an unflappable can do attitude.
As Lorna gently aged into her 90's there were times when health issues prevented visits. As soon as medically permitted, Lorna would arrive in great spirits, even if in a wheelchair. Lorna never complained to us but arrived with a great big smile and carried on as if no time had elapsed. She never lost focus, activism was in her DNA.
Lorna's spirit, drive, empathy, and can-do attitude were some of the reasons Lorna was one of my role models. I continue to strive to achieve a fraction of her life's work. She was a force of nature.
Lorna's grandmotherly side was always running even with her activist nature. She wished she could take us home to provide us with one of her home cooked meals. Some of my fondest memories are the times when we would plan a menu if I was ever to be released. The meal always centered around simple but well prepared traditional Jewish meals from the Old Country such as stuffed peppers or stuffed cabbage. Brisket and holiday kugels were also on the wish list. Meals I remember from my grandmother, mother, and aunts. I know there would have been great joy if this dream ever became a reality
I wish you could have known Lorna. Her generosity and tenacity went hand in hand. She cared deeply about people and causes. Lorna was truly special to our Jewish community, to her family, to her activist causes and to me.
I am grateful for having known this wonderful person.
May her memory be a blessing!
This memorial was written by Stan Rosenthal.