This past December, a very special teacher passed away. Suzanne Blaine A”H, Chairperson of the English Department at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School, was loved by students and colleagues alike. A memorial ceremony on March 29 was held to celebrate her life; and a full house shared stories of Blaine’s enjoyment of the richness of life and the many ways she impacted others.
Deena Seelenfreund spoke to the students, faculty and alumni about her beloved mother, Suzanne (nee Iteld) Blaine, who was passionate about being a lifelong student—perhaps that’s what made her a consummate teacher. She earned degrees in English literature and in the methodology of teaching in New York and Israel. She had a Master’s Degree in English literature and completed all of her studies for a doctorate. She attended seminars, conferences, and programs, in a wide array of subjects. In addition to formal continuing education, she learned from her own students, whom she treasured.
Jake Sitt, a senior, was Mrs. Blaine’s student for two years, this year in AP English. He interviewed several students about their memories of Mrs. Blaine, and shared some poignant stories at the memorial evening.
One student compared Mrs. Blaine to the “Lost and Found,” because during high school and one’s teenage years, it’s common for students to lose themselves. Mrs. Blaine would help them find their identity. That same student was stunned the day he showed Mrs. Blaine a sample of his writing. Her response was, “Don’t change a word.” No teacher had ever said that to him and he felt pride like never before.
Another senior’s account was more recent. At the end of a class he noticed that she didn’t look well. When asked why she stayed in school if she felt ill, Blaine responded that she pushed herself to be there—for her students. It was rare to see Mrs. Blaine’s name written on the board of absent teachers. She always chose her students over her health and comfort.
Jake’s own story highlighted Suzanne Blaine’s respect and appreciation of effort and talent, regardless of status or age. He related, “She and I first formed a relationship when she saw the PowerPoint I had created for a vocabulary project. She said that throughout her years of teaching she had refused to give anyone 100 on a project. She believed that capping the grade at 99 would keep the student motivated. But she decided that I would get 100, despite this rule. I never thought a teacher could make me smile and feel such confidence! I then became Mrs. Blaine’s instructor and gave her multiple sessions in the magic of PowerPoint.”
Five months before her passing, another email to Jake displayed Suzanne Blaine’s energy, spirit, and love for her students. It said, “I have been under the weather this past week, so PowerPoint is on hold. But I have some great ideas that I would love to try. I wonder if there is a market for educational software using some creative PowerPoint. I will have to look into it. It could be a little business for you. I will be your consultant!”
Jake marveled, “This amazing teacher, who had accomplished so much in her life, was acknowledging me, a junior in high school. That’s who she was. The person who made you feel like a million bucks, even though she was worth a trillion.”
Suzanne Blaine had a long history with the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Her parents were founders of the school and close friends of the YOF’s first visionary principal, Mr. Joel Braverman A”H. While in High School, Suzanne Iteld (elementary school 1954, high school 1958), developed her love of the arts, and directed her senior class production of South Pacific. She was a graduate of the post-high school Midrasha of Flatbush, after which she taught second grade Hebrew at the yeshivah. She began teaching at the Joel Braverman High School in 1975, became Chair of the English Department, mentored new teachers, and was instrumental in creating enrichment programs, such as Masterpiece Workshop and Book Day, for her students.
The High School’s recent Dine and Discuss Night—a book discussion with dinner for students and parents, brought 300 participants to school to discuss The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. It was Suzanne Blaine’s idea to produce this event, but unfortunately she was not well enough to attend. Through the Jewish Board of Education, she was awarded a grant to co-write a curriculum on terrorism for teachers and she was an adjunct instructor at Touro College, teaching computer software courses.
Rabbi Ronald Levy, Principal of the Joel Braverman High School, spoke warmly of his good friend and colleague. “Students could sense that Mrs. Blaine was an individual they could trust. They were impressed with her intellect and scholarship, and inspired by her passion.”
Nothing surpassed Suzanne Blaine’s passion for her family—for her husband of 50 years, Rabbi Allen Blaine, their children Deena (nee Blaine, high school 1982) and Michael Seelenfreund and Simone and Ari Blaine (high school 1984), and grandchildren Zachary, Gabrielle, Samuel, Danielle, Isaac, Alexander, Ben and Lilly.
Rabbi and Mrs. Blaine were a strong and loving team, and Suzanne was a creative and dedicated rebbitzen in the congregations where her husband was the associate rabbi, first at the East Midwood Jewish Center, and later at Temple Beth El in Rockaway Park.
For 20 years, Suzanne appeared with her husband as master teacher on the Jewish 4th R and The Jewish Scene on Sundays at 9:15 am on NBC TV and received hundreds of letters from parents and teachers. A clip of The Jewish Scene was included in a video made for the memorial that is now posted on YouTube (search: Suzanne Blaine).
Suzanne’s daughter Deena described the selfless love her mother exhibited for her husband and children and how her warmth extended to so many others. She had a tremendous inner strength, especially over the last few months of her life. She was strong and brave and never complained.
Photos displayed at the tribute flashed Mrs Blaine’s familiar heartwarming smile across the screen. Her impact on our community has been profound and lasting. She will be sorely missed.
The Yeshivah of Flatbush has proposed a dedication in Mrs. Suzanne Blaine’s memory. The English Writing Lab will be a wonderful and fitting tribute to her. The lab allows for the dynamic interchange between teacher, student and technology and is a place where cutting edge software is utilized to enhance creativity and writing skills. Please help make this dedication a reality and donate generously. Checks can be made payable to the Yeshivah of Flatbush and sent to 919 East 10th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Please write Suzanne Blaine English Writing Lab on the memo line.
