Jan 12 2009
In memory of Yitz Hochstein
Last night, a good friend, Yitz Hochstein, died. He wasn’t much older than I, but it wasn’t a shock–his health had been deteriorating for a while.
Yitz was known among our local folk music community as one of our banjo players. His smiling face could be seen at almost all of our folk-music events and he was always supportive and encouraging. He loved food and cooking–if you were one of the lucky ones, you would be invited to the Hochstein’s for lunch or dinner where there would inevitably be five or six different main courses from which you could choose, each one delicious. Chinese cooking was his amazing specialty, and don’t even ask about Thanksgiving!
I first met Chana and Yitz when I moved with my then 12 and 14-year old sons to Ashdod. I had just separated from my then husband, was in dire financial shape, and was looking forward to beginning a brand-new life. Two months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and as soon as the Hochsteins heard about it, they came knocking on my door, bringing beautifully cooked meals from the community along with unwavering friendship and support. I hadn’t asked for it; it was a no-brainer for them. It’s just how they are. Because of Chana and Yitz, throughout one of the most difficult times of my life, my refrigerator was never empty and my heart was always full.
When I think about Yitz, I remember his pride as he told me how he had studied computer science before most people knew what a computer was. I remember his funny stories about his early years on a kibbutz when he first came to Israel, how one day, the sound of gravel crunching under his feet reminded him of snow back home and made him homesick. I remember the heartwarming story of how he proposed to Chana–he said that from the moment he met her, he knew they would marry. I remember the profound, teary love in his eyes when he spoke of the birth of his first grandchild.
And that infernal banjo!
Yitz, I hope you didn’t suffer too much. I’m glad you’re not suffering any more. Because you’re gone, a part of us is gone and we will miss you forever. Farewell my friend.
Joanna,
We were all lucky to know Yitz. Thanks for sharing the beautiful memories.
Beautifully written, Joanna. Thank you!
Joanna, that was lovely, and thank you
my goodness! time has passed, I came to that kibbutz…Barkai….just as Yitz and Channa were leaving….those many years ago….
and now, Yitz is no longer with us…strange….rest in peace Yitz, Channa; thinking of you, wishing you well and that you should not know any more sorrow, take solace in the many friends you have both gathered and made along the way, and who are with you in your time of sorrow.
Thank you Joanna, that was beautiful. Yitz was a gentle soul, always good-natured and never complaining about must have been very hard last years. We’ll miss him.
Hi Joanna!
Thanks for posting this.
Yehi Zichro Baruch!!
Shay
A beautiful tribute to a kind and loving soul. Yitz enriched us all with his ready smile and laughter.
Chana, we’re all holding you and your children close in our hearts in this difficult time.
We all sang Amazing Grace over his grave, and although we bade him farewell in his physical state, his loving spirit will live on in each and every one of us. We now convey this same spirit onwards to our friends, associates, children and grandchildren. It is a meaningful and significant legacy and we are indeed fortunate to have been considered his friends. No, he wasn’t a complainer - he was the founder of the “Kvetching Banjos”!
I also thank you for putting it all so well.. Yitz and Channa together made you always feel at home and the amount of love and caring never stopped.. Chana I will always be here for you and All our love to you all.. shelley & Yoni
Thank you for the moving tribute.
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