Jane Berliner (Sheindel Bas Pinkhas ) was born 21st Adar, 5712, March 18th, 1952 in Melbourne.

Her parents were the Reverend Phillip (Pinkhas) Berliner and Edna, the daughter of Rabbi Yitskhak Yaakov Super. Jane was 6 years older than me and of course as we reflect on that now, the difference is not that great. But for most of my younger years, those 6 years presented a formidable gap. Generally, most teenagers wont display that much interest towards little boys, particularly when their behavior may not always have been perfect, Yet one of my first recollections of Jane was someone who was genuinely interested in what I was up to and always happy to be spending some time with me. For those of you who dont know, Jane also had a slightly cheeky, almost mischievous side to her. Whilst I dont remember it well, when I was very little and Mark, my brother and Jane were also quite young, possibly less than 10 there was a game of dress ups. Whilst I cant say whos idea it was, but Jane being the elder, I suspect she had something to do with it, all I can say is the photos reveal Mark looking delightful in a floral dress with high heels. A story that Ive often heard about Jane occurred well before my birth. It happened on the day of Mum and Dads wedding. I dont know if you have ever been to a weeding where the bride, appearing to have second thoughts bolts from under the chuppah, leaving the bewildered groom wondering whats going on. Well to the shock of the guests thats exactly what Mum did to dad under the chuppah except she wasnt having second thoughts, she had noticed that the cute little flower girl, none other than Jane was on her way out the door and onto the busy street so she was off to save the day.

Mum and Jane always had a very close and loving relationship, speaking regularly and once skype was invented sometimes on skype although I suspect Jane and Keith often thought it would be good if mum remembered there was a time difference between Israel and Australia Mum wasnt the only person to have a warm and loving relationship with Jane. Anyone and everyone who met Jane was immediately taken with her qualities as a person. Jane was someone who loved her community, and loved other people. If you had a conversation with Jane you knew she was genuinely interested in you; she didnt want to tell you about her life and what was going on with her life. She wanted to know what you were up to, and if there was ever something Jane could do for someone else, it was done, no questions asked, no thanks sought. Jane, as we know was very accomplished. Growing up in St Kilda she received primary education at St.Kilda Park State School, attended Elwood High School from 1964 where she was a Prefect and Form Captain and matriculated in 1969. She was academically gifted, being awarded a Commonwealth University Scholarship, graduating in 1974 from Melbourne University with a Bachelor degree in Science. She was involved with the Monash University Department of Genetics 1974-1977 in biochemical methods of electrophoresis in population genetics.

Jane married Chaim (Keith) Freedman in 1972 . She was actively involved in South Caulfield Shule for a number of years until they made aliya in 1977 Not long after in 1980, Avigayil Chana was born. Not surprisingly, Jane then demonstrated what a wonderful, loving and devoted mother she was. Her career in Israel involved study and research in areas of genetics that I cant even pronounce let alone explain to you. Let me just say her work was highly valued and her opinion respected by all. She was also a Founding member of Heatid a young subgroup of Petah Tikvah Massuah, an English speaking chapter of Emunah, participated in the organisation of many social and cultural functions, often raising funds for charitable projects and, not surprisingly received the Eshet Chayil award. Jane volunteered at Oranit Cancer centre petting zoo for young cancer patients and also at Yad Lehakhlah, a support group for recent cancer surgery patents.

Jane and Chaim travelled overseas to Europe on a number of occasions starting from 2002. There were several visits to Australia to visit family. Janes last visit to Australia was in 2007 to attend the wedding of her niece Deborah Pose. Im not sure who was more pleased, Jane on being able to attend or Deborah on having Jane present. The relationship that Jane had with her sister Lena, Harry, and Deborah and Karen was truly remarkable for the depth of feelings that it encapsulated.

In 2012 Jane celebrated her 60th birthday with many friends in the hall of Mekor Chaim synagogue. As we know, Jane had contracted cancer in 1989 and after treatment was in recession until 2005 following which she underwent various treatments at the Davidoff Cancer Hospital, Petah Tikvah.

Jane was a most remarkable lady on every level. Highly educated, capable and sought after in her chosen field and yet remarkably down to earth and humble. Someone who thought of others always, and never put herself first. Whenever I was in Israel or if I was there with Ginette, we always looked forward to catching up with Jane, the family and of course her cat. The remarkable thing was that Jane would never just let us come and visit; rather she would often meet us somewhere so she could bring us to her home rather than leaving us to find our own way there.

So we are left with the memory of Jane, a most remarkable and wonderful women. Those of us here are very fortunate to be able to say that we were related to Jane or that we knew her, because there is not one of us here who was not touched by her. But there is more to it than that, for even a moments reflection about Jane and our interaction with her will leave us inspired by the way she lived her life, and hopefully attempting to live out some of the lessons she taught us, not by lecture, and not by harsh words but simply by genuine caring example.

Jane Passed away 10th Adar A, 5714, 10th February, 2014. May she rest in peace and her memory be blessed.

Lena, I know that you, Keith, Abigail, Harry, Debra Karen and the family feel Janes loss immensely and there may be little I can say that truly comforts you. I hope at least that you can find some comfort from reflection upon the way Jane lived her life, from the way she touched so many people and the fact that we all learned so very much from her. Can I conclude by bestowing the traditional blessing of mourners upon you: May the Omnipresent console you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem We wish for you that you know no more sorrow. John Searle