You did not have to know either the Steinberg family of Scarsdale, New York, or the Weiss family of Belleair, Florida, personally. If you are a member of a Jewish community, you know them well, especially if you are active in your shul, federation, school or camp.

2018 had a gut-wrenching beginning when we learned of the deaths of the Steinberg and Weiss family members who were killed when the plane on which they were passengers crashed in northwest Costa Rica shortly after takeoff.

The five members of the Steinberg family included Bruce, his wife, Irene, and their three sons, Zachary, William and Matthew. The four Weiss family members included Mitchell and Leslie, daughter Hannah and son Ari.

Both families had active synagogue lives. And both families gave back to the Jewish community in so many beautiful ways. Perhaps more importantly, the five now-deceased children were following in their parents’ footsteps, well on the path of Jewish leadership.

Both the Steinbergs and Weisses left us with a legacy of giving to the Jewish community. It is their example we can remember and their memory we can honor through similar volunteer efforts to improve the lives of Jewish people throughout the world.

May all of their relatives and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.