My thoughts are with Susan's sons and family, and all those whose lives she touched in so many ways. I recall her lovely voice with great pleasure, and now poignancy, at community events and gatherings at friends' homes. May her memory be an inspiration. Helen Swede (Hartford, CT)

February 14, 2009 We have known Susan over many years, while attending national Jewish renewal Kallot across the country. We were blessed to attend and witness Susan's cantorial ordination in Boulder, Colorado a few years ago at the OHALA Rabbinic conference, where she sang and spoke words of Torah and from her heart. Her sweet presence, angelic voice and passionate devotion to the Jewish people will be sorely missed. Our deep condolences are sent to the family. May her soul be forever bound up with the holy ones in the higher realms, and may her memory always be for a blessing. Shonna and R. Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin (Eugene, OR)

My earliest memories of Susie are at Israeli Folk Dancing at UB's Norton Hall, over 35 years ago, Though I moved from Buffalo following college, our paths have crossed countless times in the ensuing years through her interactions and friendships with my mother, sister, and niece. As all of you, I was numbed when I heard Susie's name on the news. However, my shock and sadness has been tempered by the amazing outpouring of love and respect that has emerged. Susan has impacted thousands of people in her life. I hope that Susan's children Jonah and Jacob will be able to take some comfort from the legacy that their mother has left, and to Susan's sisters and brother, I hope the same for you. Judy Friedler (Mississauga, ON)

Susan was Very Dear to my Heart. Always Caring. Will Always be Loved, Missed and Remembered for what She did for our Family. So Saddened by the Tragedy. You are Truly an Angel. Bobbie Mednick (Williamsville, NY)

Little did I know when I hired Susan six years ago, that she would become a tremendous asset not only to Temple Beth Am, but to its family, the community and all the people she helped in time of need. She was there when the sick needed her, officiated at funerals and at weddings. She never said no to anyone. There will always be a kind of silence and emptyness within the walls of our Temple, the Temple family and the community. I am proud to say that I knew Susan and was able to watch her grow into the wonderful woman she became. I am only sorry I cannot be there at this time as I am in Puerto Rico and cannot travel at this time. Marlene Glickman (Dorado, Puerto Rico)

My thoughts are with Susan's sons and family, and all those whose lives she touched in so many ways. I recall her lovely voice with great pleasure, and now poignancy, at community events and gatherings at friends' homes. May her memory be an inspiration. Helen Swede (Hartford, CT)

Our relationship with Susan developed a result of our life long friend, Rabbi Jerry Steinberg. Susan was such a bright & delightful presence &, almost instantly , she became our friend; sharing Shabbat meals with us in Winnipgeg, coming to Carol's book launch in Toronto, visiting at our son Avi's home in Toronto, & being a light-filled presence at Ohalah gatherings. Last year we shared a table at the "shuk" where we had time to catch up, learn from each other, & appreciate the wonder of on going, long distance connections that, like roots, nurture the Tree of Life. We will miss you Susan. May your children, your family & friends continue to sing your songs & carry your light.

I remember meeting Susan the summer at Elat Chayyim when she took Yitz' class on composing music. She was walking back from class and we struck up a conversation She was giddy with the amazement of what she was taking from the workshop. "have you always been a singer?" I asked her. "No," she said, "this is my first time." She was radiant. Every time I saw her in the following years she had that same glow. I have to believe that she was a fulfilled soul, having found her voice and shared it with others. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family and close friends and all of us who will not hear her voice again. Many Blessings, Rabbi Anne Brener

I was a friend and colleague of Susan's through OHALAH: Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal. We got to know each other first when a long delayed flight out of Denver going east gave us many hours to visit, talk about our lives, families and interests. There are two things I will recall mostly fondly of Susan, two qualities of soul that touch and isnpire me: first, how in that first extended visit we shared she spoke in the wamest terms about her sons - I was inspired by her love and connection. Second, the first few times I presented at OHALAH, she knew I was nervous, and she always made sure to stop by, give me a blessing or participate in the workshop, she said, "so you'll know you have a friend right here with you." From this I learn that friendship and support come in in small, quiet, heartfelt gestures of faith and kindness. I will miss her greatly, I will think of her smile, and on behalf of the OHALAH Chesed Committee, send her family and friends our love and support. Chava Bahle

Susan was such a blessing in my life and my family's lives. As a classmate, she added such beauty to our kahal. Her Shir HaMa'alot, her particpation in Tisha B'Av, her niggunim, her laughter, tears, hugs, collaborations, and collegiality have been spiraling through my heart and mind since I heard the news. I have this image of her unfurling the tallit she wore for her ordination and the picture in the Times so caught her smile. Susan officiated at the funerals of both my father two years ago and my mother in law last spring. She drove into Rochester from Buffal after her classes at her shul, once in a big snow storm, both times late at night in order to meet with us. She told me that she loved one teaching which I beleive is from Rabbi Rami Shapiro. She said it expressed what she felt. We arise to life as a wave cresting upon a vast and shore-less sea. And we abandon life as a wave abandons its shape, and returns to the source from which it swelled. Arising, dissolving, returning yet never leaving – Our families' deepest condolences to Jacob and Jonah, to her sister, Dana, and those who felt like family.

We have known Susan over many years, while attending national Jewish Renewal Kallot across the country. We were blessed to attend and witness Susan's cantorial ordination in Boulder, Colorado a few years ago at the Ohala rabbinic conference, where she sang,spoke word sof Torah and from her heart.~~Her sweet presence, angelic voice and passionage devotion to the Jewish people will be sorely missed. Our deep condolences are sent to the family and circle of loving friends. May her soul be forever bound up with the holy ones in the higher realms, and may her memory always be for a blessing. ~~

When Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan brought her friend Susan's name into the Kaddish memorial prayer at Shabbat services, I didn't think our paths had ever crossed. This morning I came to this site and realized I had sung with her in the 1990s in the choir Linda Hirschhorn created at the ALEPH Kallah. I remember being struck by Susan's brilliant smile and enthusiastic and positive energy. She was a very bright light. Lorne Mallin Or Shalom, Vancouver, BC, Canada

I was a friend of Susan's sister, Dana, throughout my school years and knew Susan through Dana. I want to express my sincere condolences on this unexpected, tragic, loss. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Susan. May you know 'no more sorrow'. Susan, may you rest in peace. Roberta R.

When I entered the ALEPH cantorial program Susan was there to welcome me with her grace, her kindness and her warmth, and she has continued to inspire and encourage me. She was such a giving person. I was thrilled to see her receive smicha and am heartbroken that she won't be able to stand behind me when I do. Her absence will be felt by so many whose lives she touched. May we all find comfort in the many wonderful memories she has given us. Abbe Lyons

Rabbi Jay Weinstein

15 years ago

Abbe, I know that Susan will absolutely be standing behind you when B"H you receive semikah. She will be gently holding you and supporting you. With love and Strength and Blessings and Smiles she will be standing. Amen.

Dear family of Susan, My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. A beautiful soul has left this world and I both celebrate and grieve for her. Susan was part of my ALEPH ordination group and we spent many hours together planning this life changing event. It created a bond of deep connection. I particularly remember that in our ceremony, she sang Ani maamim. Ani maamin beemuna shlemah B'viat hamashiach V'af al pi sheyitmameha Im kol zeh achake lo B'chol yom sheyavo I believe with a complete belief In the coming of the Messiah And even though he may tarry I will wait for him, whenever he comes

Susan I know we didn't know each other and we never met but, I wish I had known you Susan your story touch me my condolence to your family friends and your two sons Bless you Susan I wish I had known you I'll look for your CD Susan

I remember being in Hebrew school with Susan in the 4th or 5th grade and being excited about an episode of Hogan's heroes. i have never really looked at the show as anything more than a comedy. As a child of holocaust survivors I had my eyes opened to a wider reality by her stern lecture. We went through to high school graduation together in the honors class circuit at Van Buren High School. She was always a caring loving person who i had lost track of over the years. She is someone i will never forget and I know she leaves a legacy of caring which has improved the world . Loving thoughts to your family at this time of grief

My thoughts and condolences go out to her family, and especially her two sons. We are sending much love from here in Philadelphia to her family and to the Beth Am community in Buffalo and beyond. May you find some comfort, we are praying for you as we remember Cantor Wehle. Terri Lewin (Philadelphia, PA)

Susan was much more then our Cantor and teacher. She was a friend. So vibrant and ethusiastic, she helped my shy Pauline shine at her bat mitzvah and I'm so glad that she was a part of our lives. We'll always remember her beautiful voice and how she could makes us laugh. Purim won't be the same without her. Our hearts ache. --Linda, Tom, Pauline & Sarah Bergman Linda Bergman (Clarence Center, NY)

Prayer for Susan Taken to the Wailing Wall Please grace with comfort the family and friends of Cantor Susan Wehle who died in a plane crash in Buffalo, NY. We thank you for giving those of us who were lucky enough to know her, the wonderful life of Susan through these years. She was a good and loving friend, a wonderful mother, a great comfort to the sick and dying, an excellent teacher to the children of the Jewish community of New York, a gifted musician, and a wonderful & special representative of you and your glory in the way she lived her life. She came from humble beginnings as the daughter of two survivors of concentration camps to give great joy with her singing. We thank you for Susan. Please take her to heaven to be in the joy of Your Presence. Amen

All who knew Susan are heartbroken. She was a gem. I so recently enjoyed some precious moments with her past January at the Ohalah conference in Boulder. She helped me with some sound advice - accompanied by her warm and radiant smile. I will miss her.

Sue was my mother's best friend from childhood to the present. Sue was the first true artist in my life. She used to put on clown shows for me and my brother. In fact, Sue babysat for me the night my brother was born. I will miss that infectious smile and boisterous laugh! There is truly a hole in my heart that is hurting at losing Sue. I know she is well and sending us joy and playful exuberance from afar. I love you Sue! Ami

My earliest memories of Susie are at Israeli Folk Dancing at UB's Norton Hall, over 35 years ago, Though I moved from Buffalo following college, our paths have crossed countless times in the ensuing years through her interactions and friendships with my mother, sister, and niece. As all of you, I was numbed when I heard Susie's name on the news. However, my shock and sadness has been tempered by the amazing outpouring of love and respect that has emerged. Susan has impacted thousands of people in her life. I hope that Susan's children Jonah and Jacob will be able to take some comfort from the legacy that their mother has left, and to Susan's sisters and brother, I hope the same for you.

Shabbat is quickly approaching. The shock and sadness of this day won't be easy to set aside. Susan Wehle's death is so painful for so many. Her radiant smile; her gorgeous voice; her fabulous personality; her gift of being able to touch others so skillfully with her song...what a deep loss. Just a few weeks ago we sat together at the OHALAH Conference and laughed and sang and shared... And now she's gone...suddenly, tragically, utterly gone. We hug our loved ones and reach out to one another... and Shabbat is upon us. I suspect Shabbat haMalkah will have very curly hair tonight and a radiant, luminous smile... May we hold our memories of Susan deep within and go forth with renewed purpose... Shabbat Shalom, dear ones. May her memory be for a blessing. Rabbi Yocheved Mintz President, OHALAH the Association for Rabbis for Jewish Renewal

Ha-shem Yirachem Al Kulanu. Ha-shem, have Compassion upon us. We say Baruch atah Ha-Shem HaRofei Lish voray lev. Blessed are You, Source of All, Who Heals The Broken hearted. We are all so broken. Susan you were so much to so many. A spiritually gifted spark of G-d's light. You touched all of us with her generous soul, your smile, your wisdom (and when and which way to stand), your friendship and your voice. Susan was a gitta neshamah, a mensch in every aspect of the words. She was self-less, talented and lived as we are taught in Pirke Avot 4:1. "The one who loves, and care and does for others" ,, Who then she be honored if not Cantor Susan z"l. When i reflect upon you this Shabbat in such sadness, i see your smile.. The smile that is described in the wisdom too of Pirke Avot 1:15, 3:16. where we are told "Greet every person with a pleasant face... Receive every person in a cheerful manner." That was you my friend. If each one of us can remember that gift that you also gave us, and if we all intentionally practiced it, then maybe over time this world might be a better place. Susan, my friend watch over all of us from the heavens, your sons, your family, your congregants, the greater jewish world and me your friend Yussella. Todah rabah m'lev. Jay

Suan and I were in the same graduating class at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village, N.Y. Although we were had different circles of friends, we were members of the Science Honor Society and attended meetings together. I remember her as being bright, thoughtful, and directed. Those of you who knew her in the present I'm sure saw her the same way. Consistency was one of her admirable attributes. I, along with the Martin Van Buren Community, are saddened by this tragic loss.

Although I only met Susan a couple of times, I was struck by her warmth and kindness. I am lucky to count Jonah as among my closest friends, and Susan's influence is readily apparent in his own gentle nature. Please accept my condolences on this terrible tragedy. Alex Hughes (Washington, DC)

We mourn this tremendous loss with the rest of the Temple Beth Am community. Our thoughts and prayers go to her family. Lauren Colliver (Williamsville, NY)

I am stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic death of a dear friend, teacher and spiritual leader. Susan helped me through a very difficulty time in my life last year during my mom's last months and her singing gave my mom such peace. The community has lost a beautiful voice and soul. My thoughts and prayers are with Jonah and Jake, and the rest of her family. Susan Pardo (Williamsville, NY)

I am absolutely shocked by this news. Susan and I have been friends since we were theater students together in college and though our paths had diverged at one point, we reconnected during one of my visits to Buffalo (when my parents were still alive) and have stayed in touch since. In fact, Susan officiated at both of my parent's funerals with great elloquence, sensitivity, reverence and depth of feeling. It was an extraordinary experience and one that, as I told her that her, in my wildest dreams in college I could never have expected: that my fellow actor, Susan Wehle, would become a Cantor who would help lay my parents to rest. She was a good soul, a good friend and I will miss her deeply. Steve Heisler (Highland Park, NJ)

Susan was a dear friend and an inspiration to all who knew her. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Richard Berger (Buffalo, NY)

I am so very sad to have just learned of Susan's tragic death last night. My heart goes out to her children, her extended family and to her family at Temple Beth Am and the extended Jewish community for which she had such affection. Her passing is a personal loss to me and I want to acknowledge how she helped me and my family during the loss of both of my parents. Her spiritual voice and compassion comforted us at times of great need. She was my brother’s personal friend but touched by her kindness, I felt a friendship with her as well. There are few people that I have known as giving as Susan -- personally and spiritually. Cyndee Heisler Wishkovsky (Bala Cynwyd, PA)

Susan was an amazing person, and my wife and I were honored to be married by her in the first wedding she officiated. She cared so much for others, and this was evident from the moment I first met her. Her loss creates a huge void for many people I am sure. Jared Nabel (Haverhill, MA)

Susan was an angel in life. a Friend

Susan was the warmest, kindest clergy person; always ready to lend an ear or extend a spiritual "hand". Her spirit will live on with those who knew her. sherri davis (east amherst, NY)

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. maureen seitz (buffalo)

My condelences to you, your brother Jacob and your whole family. Ben K. (Buffalo)

I pray for strength for your family & friends. Your beautiful voice will remain singing forever..... Gary Jones (Amherst, NY)

susan was a lovely, exuberant woman, a great voice at temple sinai before going to beth am. she will be missed by all who loved music. andre toth (williamsville, NY)

WE ARE SO SADDENED BY SUSAN'S LOSS AND FEEL AS IF WE HAVE LOST A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY. MAY ALL HER ACTS OF KINDNESS BRING HER PEACE. CAROL AND ED KLEBAN CAROL KLEBAN (WILLIAMSVILLE, NY)

I considered Susan a spiritual mentor. She was my inspiration in the Jewish community as a strong and influential woman. Her spiritual energy and light will be incredibly missed. Andrea Born (Cheektowaga, NY)

Susan was my cantor at religion school and she taught me so much. She also helped me and my family through rough times when my dad died. She was a blessing and she will be greatly missed by all. Emmett Sweet (Alden, NY)

Susan was a wonderful person and teacher who helped me immensely with my Bar Mitzvah preparation more than a decade ago. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. Jared Stern (Hangzhou, China)

I had met Susan at quite a few times in our monthly Williamsville Clergy Association meetings. She was such a wonderful and kind person. Also, she always had a smile on her face and she was so humble. There was an air of serenity surrounding her in our monthly meetings. My thoughts and prayers are with her family in these difficult days and months that they will go through. They should be comforted by the fact that she was such a great person and she reached out to people of all faiths in a sincere manner. She was a cantor at: http://bethambuffalo.org/aboutcantorialsoloist_susan_we.html Sincerely, (Imam) Nazim Mangera Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier http://www.isnf.org/Nazim Mangera (Getzville, NY)

You are in my thoughts and prayers. doris rainey (rocky mount, NC)