With much sadness, Jmore mourns the passing of its faithful reader and friend Janet B. Kurland on Friday, Dec. 6. The Baltimore native was 94.
In her memory, Jmore shares a column penned by Kurland in the 2021 “Aging Gratefully” issue, as well as Editor-in-Chief Alan Feiler’s tribute to Kurland in 2023.
In November of 2018, Kurland retired – at the age of 88 — from Jewish Community Services after 44 years of serving in multiple gerontological services roles for the agency. She was a founding director of the Edward A. Myerberg Center.
Kurland was the first recipient of the Daniel Thurz Distinguished Service Award from Kehilla: Jewish Communal Professional Association of Greater Baltimore. She also received the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award in 2019, an award from CHANA Baltimore, and a lifetime achievement award from the Maryland Gerontological Association.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Shmuel) Simhi and Joshua (Jennifer) Kurland; and grandchildren, Matan Simhi, Lidan (Jordana) Simhi, Sivan Simhi, Jacob Kurland, and Zachary Kurland.
She was predeceased by her husband, Shabse Kurland; and her parents, Rose and Charles Berman.
“Janet would like to be remembered for her life of faith and service,” her family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “She hoped to be a source of strength to everyone she encountered. Janet was immensely grateful for all she had — she knew how blessed she was. She deeply loved attending Beth Tfiloh services and found great joy in the community and spiritual connection they provided. …
“Janet loved and appreciated her colleagues and their devotion to their profession, valuing their extended friendships. She felt rewarded and thoroughly appreciated in every way with immediate and extended family, dear friends, and colleagues.”
Services were held at Sol Levinson’s Chapel in Pikesville on Sunday, Dec. 8. Interment was at Beth Tfiloh Cemetery in Woodlawn.
Contributions in her memory may be sent to Jewish Community Services, 5750 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 or The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
The family will be in mourning at 2426 Diana Road. Shiva services will be observed on Monday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 12 (Shacharit at 7:30 a.m. and Maariv at 7 p.m.); and Friday, Dec. 13 (Shacharit), at 7:30 a.m.
“Janet was a beloved mentor, colleague and friend,” wrote Jacki Ashkin, director of community connections at JCS. “She enriched my life in countless ways and I will hold her in my heart forever. Her devotion to her family and dedication to serving our community will stand the test of time. Janet is an icon and her legacy lives in all the lives she touched.”
May Janet Kurland’s memory always be a blessing to her family, friends, colleagues, the community at large, and all who knew and loved her.
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