When Tova Feldstein, z”l, died suddenly on Jan. 31 of this year, the Stamford community reacted immediately with tributes and acts of kindness. In February, Beldotti Bakery offered the “Tova Special’’ — a coffee-and-glazed-donut combo to benefit the Stamford JCC JumpStart program where Tova had worked (still on the menu); in May, a new sefer Torah was completed and presented to the Feldstein family at the Armon Hotel.
On the third day of Chanukah, the community again came together to dedicate the most recent gesture of love for Tova: a park bench in Barrett Park, across the street from her childhood home.
The idea was first conceived by Jessie Katz, a neighbor and friend of the Feldsteins and a member of the city of Stamford Parks and Recreation Commission. “Tova was an amazing person who contributed to everything that she touched in such a positive way,” said Katz. “I was thinking of how to create something locally that would make a big difference and have a long-lasting impact on the community.”
Katz contacted Tova’s childhood friend Allison Zur, now living in Florida, and the two agreed to raise money for a commemorative bench through the city of Stamford. They approached Tova’s parents, Sharon and Michael Feldstein. “We liked the idea very much for two reasons,” said Michael. “It is a lasting tribute, as many will see the bench and use it for many years to come; and it is a meaningful tribute, as Tova spent many hours at the park, both when she was growing up and later in her life, when she would play with her two nieces and nephew at the park.”
Katz met with Parks and Recreation director Kevin Murray and his team to determine the best site for the bench. In late June, Zur organized a GoFundMe page for the bench project, setting a goal of $1,800. “So many people responded — all ages and backgrounds and from so many communities,” Katz said. Within a month, contributions totaled more than $10,000. What wasn’t needed for the bench was donated to the Stamford JCC’s JumpStart early-intervention program for young children with disabilities, where Tova had worked for 17 years.
On Dec. 10, community members gathered for a dedication ceremony and to enjoy Beldotti Bakery’s “Tova Special.” Many wrote notes about Tova for the Feldstein family.
“Tova’s bench represents the first piece of progress in a long-awaited park rehabilitation project motivated by Jessie Katz and her fellow residents,” said Cara Gilbride, who represents District 11 on the Stamford Board of Representatives and who attended the dedication. “This bench will be enjoyed by many generations to come. It is heartwarming to know that something so tragic, like a life cut short, has been honored in such a positive way for Tova’s family and the overall community.”
Barrett Park, nicknamed “the Shabbos Park,” is where many Jewish families within walking distance bring their children on Shabbat afternoons. It was a special place for Tova, where she would play with her nephew and nieces and indulge her passion for photography at sunrise and sunset. The bench is placed within view of the playground and the western horizon.
“We would like to thank all those who contributed to this special project and give special thanks to Allie and Jessie for spearheading the project,” said Michael. “We hope that when people come to the park and see the bench, they will think of Tova and the kindness she displayed to others and the happiness she exuded. Perhaps if they sit down on the bench at the right time, they will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset, which Tova loved to see.”
Cynthia Mindell is a staff writer at The Jewish Link.
