Yael Etzkin

Yael Etzkin, 81, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on February 17, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Yael was the daughter of Aline Steinman Etzkin Abrams z”l and Max Etzkin z”l and the oldest of eight siblings. She is survived by her beloved life partner of 36 years, Karen Trager; her siblings Sylvia (Jerry) Levitt, Lynn (Steven) Rubenstein, Sandra (Charles) Brum, Aaron (Gaydene) Etzkin, Ian (Patty) Etzkin, Jeffrey (Kathleen) Etzkin, and Michael Etzkin; her daughters, Rabbi Amy Rossel and Debbie (Jeremy) Bradford; her grandchildren, Gray Bradford, Leona Ross, and Briana Ross; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Raised in a Zionist family, Yael's love of Israel and the Jewish people shaped her life. As a teenager she was active in Young Judea and, after high school, spent a year in Israel participating in the organization's Year Course. Determined to make aliyah, she returned to New Orleans to earn her teaching credentials before moving to Israel, where she became an Israeli citizen and spent seven years teaching high school English.

After returning to the United States, Yael continued dedicating herself to Jewish education and leadership. She served as principal of Communal Hebrew School in New Orleans, regional director of Young Judea, and spent many summers at Camp Judea in Hendersonville, North Carolina, as a counselor, unit head, assistant director, and director. After moving to Dallas, she worked in the religious school at Congregation Shearith Israel.

She remained passionately committed to Israel throughout her life, returning often and maintaining lifelong involvement with Hadassah. She was an active member of the West Hartford Jewish community.

Whether she was teaching, counseling, or simply listening, Yael had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, understood, and loved. At age 50, Yael returned to school to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas, Arlington. She became a clinical social worker, first working with individuals living with substance use disorders and later supporting patients with end-stage renal disease and their families.

Yael was endlessly playful, deeply empathetic, and contagiously funny. She loved all things New Orleans – jazz, Mardi Gras, Café du Monde, second lines, and po boys. She loved to travel, followed politics with enthusiasm, and adored her grandchildren. Her daughters described her as their "emotional mom"—always there to offer comfort, guidance, and a good laugh.

The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate and dedicated staff of AVIVA for the loving care they provided during Yael's final years.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 10:30 am at Weinstein Mortuary in West Hartford, followed by interment at Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery in Hartford (119 Affleck Street).

Shiva will be observed:

Sunday, August 2

3:00 to 6:00 pm with a minyan at 4:30 pm at the home of Debbie and Jeremy Bradford. Please contact the family for the address.

Monday, August 3

5:00 to 7:00 pm with a minyan at 6:00 pm at the home of Debbie and Jeremy Bradford. Please contact the family for the address.

Tuesday, August 4

6:00 to 7:30 pm with a minyan at 6:45 pm at AVIVA West Hartford, 1 Hamilton Heights Drive, West Hartford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah, the Alzheimer's Association , or another organization that reflects Yael's lifelong commitment to Jewish life, Israel, education, or compassionate care.