Norman Sandler (YECHIEL NOAH)

Norman Sandler 1982 Abe Sandler's Family 1924 Abe Sandler's Family 1936 Abe Sandler Vryheid Ella Weinreb & Norman Norman Sandler Graduation Norman Sandler 1943

Norman was born on December 27th, 1917 in Benoni.  Norman's father was Abe Sandler and his mother was Ella Weinraub.  His paternal grandparents were Aaron Sandler and Sarah. He had two brothers and two sisters, named The Colonel, Max, Square and Frieda.  He was the second youngest of the five children.  He died at the age of 86 on January 15th, 2004 in Perth.  He was buried at the Karrakatta Cemetery.¹ 

• Death Notes

  Section LNHA, Gravesite: 0261

• General Notes

  TRIBUTE TO  NORMAN SANDLER
  By Elliott Wolf
  
  In calling on Mr Norman Sandier to address you this evening, I do so with feelings of pleasure and regret: pleasure in our having him and Mrs Sandler with us on this important occasion and in our being regaled with his fine turn of phrase and impeccable command of English; regret, however, in realizing that this is the last occasion on which he addresses us in his official capacity as Director of General Studies of the S.A. Board of Jewish Education for it is at the end of this year that he retires from this position.
  Mr Sandler's association with the Board spans almost three decades.  He became part of the Jewish day school movement in Johannesburg in its infancy when the schools were very different institutions from those which we know today.  In those
  pioneering days it was the bold thinking, enterprise and drive of men like Mr Sandler which ensured the development and growth of our schools and earned for them the very fine reputation which we enjoy today.
  I cannot talk of those times with first hand authority for my experience of Jewish education begins much later when the chalutzic spirit was no longer germane.  But my introduction and that of my twin brother into King David was effected by Mr Sandler who lured us away from teaching at government schools to head the departments of English and Latin in his school at Linksfield.  It was a privilege and pleasure to teach under an educationist from whose experience and expertise one could learn so much.  Some of his headmasterisms are legend, among them one which has always amused me: "To chew is taboo".
  The many hundreds of Davidians who passed through his hands will recall many more.  But more significantly will they remember his nineteen years as first headmaster of King David Linksfield during which time their school burgeoned into fame.
  
  He was the innovator of so much that we take for granted in our schools today among them the open exchange and rapport between pupil and teacher, bold experimentation in new teaching methodology, the Standard 8 Ulpan scheme, the occasional half-holiday when Linksfield triumphed in rugby or South Africa played a cricket test at the Wanderers!
  
  I shall miss Mr Sandier.  Always only a call away when I needed encouragement, advice, support or a friendly chat, he has become, as Director, an intrinsic part of my involvement with the Board of Education.  In helping to keep our schools staffed with teachers of calibre he has been of invaluable assistance to us as headmasters.  I appreciate his paternal concern and interest in my welfare, exemplified by the many enjoyable walks we shared during my convalescence last year.  So I shall miss him not only as a professional colleague but also as a friend whose generosity, goodwill and camaraderie I warmly acknowledge.  Norman and Hilda, on behalf of all at King David High Victory Park, I extend to you our best wishes for many years of continued good health and happiness.  May you, Norman, find peace and contentment, proud in the knowledge of your achievements in a life-time of service to the Jewish community.
  
  By Mike Kessel
  
  On behalf of the Chairman, Committee, Executive Staff, Staff and Pupils of the United Herzlia Schools I wish to thank you,. on the eve of your retirement for the tremendous contribution which you have made to the South African educational scene
  and of course, and in particular to Jewish Education in South Africa.
  
  The success of the Jewish Day School in South Africa, particularly in the case of your own beloved King David Schools must be of tremendous satisfaction to you and whilst it is correct to say that King David would not have been what it is today, without your efforts and dedication over so many years, it is also true to say that Jewish education in general in South Africa would not have been what it is without your dedication.
  
  We working in the field today fully understand the responsibilities we have to the thousands of pupils in our schools.  We also understand and are deeply grateful for having been given the opportunity to fulfil this task and there is no doubt that our opportunities are there as a result of efforts of pioneers in Jewish Education such as yourself.  I am sure that I speak for all when I say that we will do our best to meet the challenges and fulfil the demands placed on us to the
  benefit of many children in the future.  In so doing, we will remember what you have done.
  Naturally your wife Hilda has played a major role in assisting you and none of us are unmindful and have forgotten what Hilda has done for you and for Jewish education - albeit very much in the background.  We are all pleased that you will not be lost to education even if the times are such that you will no longer be in a position to serve Jewish Education per se.  I know for a fact that I can always call on you and take great comfort from this.
  
  Dear Hilda, Tony, Linda and family,
  I was so sorry to hear from Sheryl of the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. I know  what a pivotal role Norman played in all your lives,and appreciate how grievously you must all be feeling your loss.
  Of course, Norman's passing  will be mourned by the thousands whose lives he touched, and, perhaps, you can take some solace in that Davidians all over the world will always remember "The Boss", and will cherish fond memories of his headmastership and their association with Mr Sandler.
  
  I shall always be grateful to Norman for his warm friendship, guidance and sincere interest in my career and welfare. I truly regarded him as my mentor, and, in return, he playfully referred to me as his "alter ego".  Our relationship is one that I shall forever remember and cherish.
  
  Please accept my heartfelt condolences in your great loss.  I assure you that you are all very much in my thoughts.
  
  Yours sincerely
  Elliot Wolf
  

Details of Norman's family with Hilda  Hana Sacks