Sol Shalom's Obituary
With great personal sadness, we note the passing of Sol Shalom, 90 years young, (Sholem ben Rafael v'Reshe Shlomowitz).
Torn from his childhood in Pruzany, Poland (Belarus) at a young age by the Nazis he would barely survive five concentration camps. He was hours from death on April 29, 1945 at the time of his liberation from Dachau. In fact, he would celebrate that day as his true 'birth' day for the rest of his life.
Indeed, Sol would celebrate each and every day of his life with a zest and strength that inspired many. Nothing would deter his positive attitude and strength of spirit. Following the war he would walk throughout Europe to eventually discover that one older brother, Irving (Yitzchak), had survived the war. Together they would travel to the United States where Sol would meet the "love of his life", Dora, in a New York delicatessen. They would return together to Dora's hometown of Calabasar, Cuba where Sol and Dora gave birth to their two daughters, Rose (Rosita, spouse David J. Halperin) and Rebeca (spouse David Kaiman). With the rise of Castro and communism they would immigrate to Eretz Yisrael and years later to New York where son Ralph (spouse Lili Levi) was born.
Sol had many talents but most notably was his love of communication. Every individual that he met was charmed and blessed with his genuine friendship. Because of his unique life he had the gift of many languages but because of his spirit he had the gift of being able to charm. befriend and love the entire universe of those who crossed his path. The strength of his spirit allowed him to pursue many occupations but constant was his gift for making every person smile in warmth and love.
He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren (Joel and Bethany, Daniel and Rachel, and Nina) and surrounded himself in his life with their photos and letters. In the past few years he dedicated himself to retelling the stories of his youth and the lessons of the atrocities of WW2 so that "it should never happen again". He was an active and dedicated member of The Aventura-Turnberry Jewish Center and Rabbi Jonathan Berkun remarked that Sol "was unique and beloved".
Burial and interment will take place 11:30 am on Tuesday at Lakeside Memorial Park in Miami. Shiva will be held on Tuesday at the home of Ralph Shalom and Lili Levi, Coral Gables, Florida and the balance of the shiva week at the home of Sol and Dora, Bal Harbour, Florida.
What’s your fondest memory of Sol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sol?
Share a story where Sol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sol you’ll never forget.
How did Sol make you smile?
