Jewish National Fund

Projects In Israel

In Loving Memory of Maxwell Judah Leviss

Total Number of Gifts: 545
Total Value of Gifts: $75,987.00

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Maxie's Forest

As of this morning, 430+ families or individuals have donated more than $52,000 towards a forest of over 10,000 trees in Haifa, Israel, in Maxie's memory. Eventually, I hope that our family can thank each and every one of you. For now, I hope that this expression of my gratitude will suffice. Watching this forest grow has been the one ray of hope and goodness that we can all lean on. The trees will be planted in the Carmel, where a devastating forest fire burned down over five million trees, blackening the green, turning growing life into ash. This is the forest that I lived in as a student at the Haifa University. It's trails started at the back door of my dormitory. It is the forest that I spent weekends hiking in again 2 years later during the period of time when Ted and I first met. Whenever we talk to our parents or siblings, the first thing anyone asks is "Have you seen how big Maxie's forest has grown?" Thank you for giving us something incredibly positive to talk about.

As I mentioned, Ted and I met in Israel over ten years ago. We also got engaged in Israel in 2009. We took a walk on the Tel Aviv Tayelet (promenade) next to the ocean after spending a night out with friends. Ted pulled me into one of the covered bench areas, got down on one knee and proposed to me. Not only was it incredibly romantic, it had a lot of meaning for both of us that it happened there. I wouldn't say that either Ted or I are terribly religious. We don't belong to a Temple, we pick and choose our kosher laws, we talk about someday having Shabbat in our home but we haven't gotten around to it. We like Passover and Hanukkah candles. We used to believe in G-d, maybe still do I guess, or I would not be writing it that way. We both love Israel. It isn't a religious or political love. It is the love of a place where Jews and non-Jews of all walks of life meet up in a beautiful desert land with sandy beaches and buzzing metropolitan centers; where you can get on a bus and know that the riders share a common past with your ancestors, where history and modernity coalesce in the Old Cities of Jerusalem and Jaffo and Tsfat, and at the summer and winter palaces of Herod in Masada, Jericho, and Caesarea. As Ted's family wrote on Max's tribute page it is the place where the seed of our love was planted and now will continue to grow.

Ted and I decided before Max was even born that we would take Maxie to Israel for his Bar Mitzvah. It was something we looked forward to - an incredibly meaningful family trip. Now, we can only imagine moving on from this horror (the pain of which seems to be getting more horrific with each passing day instead of becoming easier), and starting again: having more children, hoping that they are healthy, trying to find our new normal. We know that visiting Maxie's forest will always be one of the most important visits we make, if not the most important. To be clear, Maxie's trees will be planted among the trees of others. His trees will be among Shmulie's trees and Hannah's trees and Jane's trees. There will be no sign that welcomes us to the "Maxwell Judah Leviss" forest, for there are many people from around the world who have contributed towards replanting the five million trees that were lost last December. We will know his trees are there. My hope is that we will feel him in their presence. There will be a sign in American Independence Park, outside of Jerusalem, where we will also stop. Where Maxie's plaque will hang on a wall with other generous souls who feel the way about Israel that we do. Who made important contributions towards important projects all over the country. This will be a second stop for us, where we can bring a picnic lunch, sit at a table in nature and tell our children about the beautiful and happy brother that they never had the incredible fortune of meeting.

Thank you for your extraordinary outpouring of support.

Abby and Ted Leviss
http://missingmaxie.blogspot.com/

If you would prefer to make an offline donation, please call:
(323)964-1400
Checks can be sent to:
7120 Hayvenhurst Ave
Suite #200
Van Nuys, CA 91406
*Please mention that your donation is in Memory of Max Leviss- RN110241

"Recognition name" refers to your name so that the Leviss family can acknowledge your contribution.

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Records 1 - 25 of 137

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Britt and Justin MacKenzie Tue, Jun 05, 2012 Thinking of you Abby and Ted. Always thinking of your sweet pea, Maxie. Envisioning peace with the arrival of Baby M.
Phyllis & Bud Rockmael Mon, Feb 06, 2012 Dear Abby & Ted: We were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your dear son Max. There is little we can say to ease the pain. Just keep all of the good memories of the time you spent with him. Our sincerest sympathy.
Roberta Feld Mon, Feb 06, 2012 Dear Abby and Ted, I just learned of the loss of your beloved Maxie. I am so, so saddened and pained for you; there are no adequate words. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts with most sincere sympathy, Roberta Feld
Leslie Katz Tue, Nov 22, 2011 Dear Abbs and Ted, I've been thinking that the upcoming holidays might be very trying for you this year, so I wanted to send a little seasonal love to Maxie's forest in his honor and yours. So deeply sorry for your loss. Sending love, Leslie
Nancy Meyer Sat, Oct 08, 2011 This tree we wish to have planted to honor baby Maxie's birthday...I know it will grow tall and strong and spread love throughout the forest to all who enter it. Many will enjoy its comforting shade as they remember your precious Maxie. Our thoughts are with you always.
Elana Joffe Sat, Oct 01, 2011 Though I cannot fathom your unthinkable loss, I offer my sincerest condolences. I am so sorry that you are living in this world without your beautiful baby boy and all my best wishes are with you.
Nancy Wheeler Balboa Wed, Aug 31, 2011 It is with a heavy heart I write you this note. I am so very sorry for your devastating loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. XO Nancy
Kim Birbrower Tue, Aug 16, 2011 Even though we don't know each other, my heart is broken for you as I try to contemplate your unthinkable loss. I'm sending you strength to continue putting one foot in front of the other, the perseverence to move forward in life with Max in your heart. May his sweet memory be for a blessing, as I know it will.
Beth Gluck Mon, Aug 15, 2011 Dear Abby and Ted: May the sorrow in your hearts change to a strength in your souls - a power from knowing the love of your sweet son and experiencing the joy he brought to your lives. Beth
robin davis Sat, Aug 13, 2011 I am so very soery for your terrible loss but bless our Lors for the wonderful people He has inspired to stand with you during rhis dark time . I pray you will experience the peace of God that passes our understanding especially during this timewhen so many seek an answer for "why?" and "why him or why now? For somthings there are no answers yet we can lean upon our Ggod trusting He knows all. May He heap blessings upon you at every turn.
Steve Berley Mon, Aug 08, 2011 I am so sorry to hear of your tragedy. I can only imagine the pain in your heart. While words can hardly help, please know Max and the two of you are fondly in our thoughts. Steve & Cynthia
Yitzhak Santis Sun, Aug 07, 2011 Dear Abby and Ted, I only today learned of your terrible loss as I am no longer with JCRC and am now living in Israel. I am in shock over this unfathomable tragedy you suffered, and my heart is aching for you. You are in my prayers and thoughts, and I can only hope that time will offer some healing. Yitzhak
Alma Del Prado Wed, Aug 03, 2011 Dearest Susie and Family: I have asked for prayers to be said for your family at this difficult time. May you all be comforted and know that you are not alone but treasured, loved and prayed for. Words cannot express the many emotions that I feel learning of your loss. I will be sending you a donation shortly. Please know that you aren't alone. May blessings overtake you and your family according to Deut 28 verses 1 to 14 OT May the God of Israel, Jacob, and Moses bring you much love, peace, comfort, and hope at this time. I don't know the circumstances but they aren't important. What is important is that you go forward. That you don't regret and feel so much sorrow and sadness. Hugs, Kisses, and Blessings to you and your family today. Sincerely, Alma Del Prado 08/11
Brett and Kristine Ference Wed, Aug 03, 2011 Dear Abby and Ted, There are no words to express how sorry we are for your unimaginable loss. Remember to hold on to the love and take care of eachother. "It still may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds." Black Elk Our hearts and love are with you both, Brett and Kristine
Toni and Bob Ceisler Wed, Aug 03, 2011 Dear Abby and Ted - Our hearts ache for you on this, most terrible loss. May little Max live on in your hearts and in the hearts and minds of those who love you - and may the rest of your lives be free of any such horror and pain. We wish for your recovery from the sharp ache of this loss and for only happy times ahead. Thinking of you. With much love, Toni and Bob
susan and jacob chodakiewitz Mon, Aug 01, 2011 May Max's memory lives on in our hearts and in the trees that will blossom from the sweet land of israel. Blessing his memory and spreading the energy of his young spirit forever. love susie and jacob chodakiewitz
Debora Laurano Eisen & Joey Eisen Mon, Aug 01, 2011 May Max's memory be a blessing.
EJ & Rich Leviss Mon, Aug 01, 2011 Dear Abby and Ted, While we were so fortunate to have met sweet Maxie, we share your grief. May you take strength from all those who surround you with love. EJ & Rich
Christi & Rip McEldowney Mon, Aug 01, 2011 Dear Ted and Abby, We are so so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you. Please take care of yourself and be strong. Thoughts and prayers are with you every moment, Christi (Burton) McEldowney
Papa, Gigi, Beth and Sadie Sun, Jul 31, 2011 There are no words to describe how much we love you both. Our hearts are painfully heavy and we will cherish every bright memory of our beautiful baby Maxie forever. May his sweet soul live on as a mighty forest firmly rooted in the land where your love had originally been planted. We look forward to the day when we can all go together to this beautiful place. All our Love, Papa, Gigi, Beth and Sadie
naomi and adi hasak Sat, Jul 30, 2011 So sorry to hear about your loss.. our thoughts are with you... much love, naomi and adi
Janee Ries Sat, Jul 30, 2011 There are no words at a time like this but I want you to know that my heart goes out to both of you. I know that Max will be in all of our hearts forever.
Aba & Sandy Heiman Fri, Jul 29, 2011 Very sorry for the tragic loss of your sweet little boy - our condolences go out to your entire family.
Rod & Esther Bartels Fri, Jul 29, 2011 As this new Forrest grows strong in Israel, may our memory and love of being with you and Maxie always increase and provide strength.
Donna Daniel Thu, Jul 28, 2011 My deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this difficult time.

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