01/27/2017
Federation Mourns Loss of Judge Pianka
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The recent death of Cleveland Housing Court Judge Raymond Pianka, is a loss beyond the courts and the City of Cleveland. Judge Pianka was a good man and also a friend of the Jewish community.
Several years ago, residents living adjacent to Fir Street Cemetery (Cleveland’s second oldest Jewish cemetery) offered to help rejuvenate the Cemetery. Judge Pianka personally undertook an effort that included the thoughtful process of educating various groups in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood to better understand Jewish rituals and practices. Taking the time to communicate and coordinate the synergies is just one indicator of what Judge Pianka was willing to do support a pluralist vision beyond the boundaries of any single ward or municipality.
The Jewish community of Cleveland is grateful for Judge Pianka’s assistance and saddened by his passing.
Ari Jaffe
Commission on Cemetery Preservation President
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