​Rabbi Edward Harris Feldheim

Rabbi Edward Harris Feldheim’s calling was kindness. He served to uplift everyone lucky enough to be within his widespread radius. Rabbi Feldheim had a radar for when a person was in need of comfort and guidance, no matter who they were or whether he knew them previously. His unconditional warmth, support, compassion, and care will be his lasting legacy. Rabbi Feldheim was born on Dec. 3rd, 1939, to Dorothy and David Feldheim, their only child. He originally set out to be an educator, eager to shape young minds with gentle patience. He found that he could support a wider range of people as a Rabbi, merging his natural inclination with a true calling. Rabbi Feldheim served all people he came across for 40 years officially as a practicing clergyman. However, he remained dedicated to lifting up others all the way until his peaceful death at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 19, 2022. Rabbi Feldheim had a way of comforting people while they planned funerals for their deceased friends and family, spending enough time with them so he could describe their loved ones legitimately. His wedding speeches were arguably more memorable, done with the exact same care and thoughtfulness. He offered himself at the same intimate and personal level when freely giving advice and guidance on marriage issues, parenting challenges, career crossroads and life as it unfolded. It was all a part of his job. No matter how many years have passed since people have seen him, or attended one of his services, they all say the same thing. “We still think of him as our Rabbi.” He embodied the purest form of love, offering it freely until his final days without wanting anything in return. May we all remember him by extending more kindness to those around us, without any desire for recognition or reward. He did it simply because he could. Rabbi Feldheim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Linda Feldheim (nee Westerman); his children Rachel Diamond (Michael Diamond), Deborah Cairo (Stuart Cairo), and Benjamin Feldheim (Deborah Kaltman); his grandchildren Alex, Josh, and Brandon Cairo, and Madeline and Isabelle Diamond; his nephew Greg Westerman (Lisa Westerman); sister-in-law Sallee Ach (Paul Ach) and brother-in-law Richard Westerman (Eileen Westerman); and countless friends, former congregants, and the massive number of people who were lifted by his warmth. The Feldheim family expresses immense heartfelt gratitude to Rabbi Feldheim's caretaker Johnny 'Teek' Senal for offering him the same compassion and support in his final months that he offered to so many people throughout his life. May his memory be for a blessing. May we live with more kindness in his honor. Service Tuesday 2PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mishkan Chicago, 4001 N. Ravenswood, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60613, www.mishkanchicago.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com