Earlier this week, when the news started spreading through the community that Alan Hassenfeld had passed away suddenly, my initial feeling was shock. I know it was a feeling that was shared by many throughout our small, tight-knit community. For someone who was larger than life, it was impossible to think that he would no longer be with us. As the day went on, however, my shock transformed into complete sadness. Sadness for the Jewish community’s loss, sadness for Rhode Island’s loss, but sadness for the loss of my friend. 

Alan was not just a donor or a community leader. He approached everything with joy and wonder and compassion and embodied the company his family founded. His deep concern for the well-being of those in need, particularly children, was widely known. But I got to see firsthand how Alan applied compassion not just through his philanthropy, but through the work that he pursued. 

Alan was the driving force behind the Alliance’s Living on the Edge initiative, our effort to address poverty within the Jewish community following the Great Recession. It was Alan’s passionate advocacy, followed by his philanthropy, that led to the research and report that fueled that work. 

Throughout the years, Alan was an active Board member at the Alliance. He took his work as an Honorary Director seriously, adding value to meetings and finding ways to lend his voice and support to critical issues for our community. He was someone who would always pick up the phone when I had a question or needed advice, and he was always humble about providing advice. And I always appreciated the calls from Alan when he just wanted to check in to see how I was holding up after Pittsburgh or October 7th just to name a few. 

I will miss having Alan to rely on for advice, and I will miss his leadership in this community. His passing leaves a legacy that we must all strive to meet. Mostly though, I will miss my friend.  

May Alan’s memory be for a blessing and may we all seek to live our lives with the joy and wonder that Alan led his. 

Until next time, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Shabbat. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Adam Greenman
President & CEO