“What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”

                                                                                     -Hamilton the Musical

The Marshall S. Kneller Memorial Fund was established for the perennial growth of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. The shul was both an inherited and integral part of Marshall’s roots. As a young boy, he attended services with his father Gordon and Zaida Lazer, and later delighted in sharing the bimah with his own children and grandchildren, a manifestation of m’dor l‘dor (from generation to generation). Marshall served as President of the Board for over 25 years as the synagogue blossomed into his second home. The shul was a sacred space which allowed Marshall’s treasured traditions and enriching friendships to flourish. His family’s sincerest wish is for this fund to cultivate our community for many years to come. Your contributions will secure Marshall’s legacy of selfless service by ensuring the survival of his beloved congregation.

Marshall Kneller was a man of many mitzvahs. He tended to the needs of others with quiet, often anonymous generosity. His sudden passing in February of 2021 was an immense shock to his family, friends, and community. It is a loss which leaves a devastatingly deep hole at the shul he humbly served with devotion.

Marshall was survived by the love of his life of over 48 years, Laya Kneller. Together, they were able to grow a family, which was Marshall’s true legacy. His family includes his three children, Kyle, Gabi, & Skye, their partners Carol, Benji, & Cameron, his sister Sandi, his father-in-law Ted, and his grandchildren Alex and Madison. Marshall was predeceased by his daughter Jada, his parents Edith and Gordon and mother-in-law Marie.

The goal for this fund is to reach $10,000, after which it will transferred over to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue as their first organizational endowment fund.