Abe was born in Vienna, Austria, while his Russian immigrant parents awaited permission to enter Palestine. The family was allowed to enter the country when he was 2 months old. As an infant, Abe lived in a work camp tent, while his father worked to drain swamps and build roads in what would later become Israel. The family later moved to Zichron Yaakov, an already established settlement, where Abe spent his childhood. Abe attended high school in Tel Aviv, and college at the Teacher’s Seminary in Jerusalem. In 1947, Abe married his wife Adaia. Shortly thereafter, the couple came to study in America, where they both received doctorates at Columbia University. Abe moved to Great Neck, New York and worked as a Professor of Education at Brooklyn College until age 75. He maintained his connection to Israel throughout his life, however. Abe and Adaia returned periodically to Israel, where they participated in the Israeli War of Independence and later conducted reattach. In the mid ‘70’s, Abe was invited to be founding Provost for Beit Berl College in Kfar Sava, Israel.
Abe authored several books on teaching, and with Adaia wrote the Mah Tov series and many related books for teaching Hebrew to English speaking children. Additionally, he and Adaia wrote Bridge Across the Jordan about his father-in-law, carpenter Medel Cohen’s culture-bridging tenure as a contractor for Jordanian King Emir Abdullah.
After retirement, Abe and Adaia moved to Brunswick, first for summers and later full time. Abe developed a particular interest in Bible study, which he shared with his Bible study group and with his wife. At the time of his death, he and Adaia had been working on a new book, focusing on the lives of Biblical patriarchs and matriarchs, and the relevance of these stories for modern life.
Abe treasured scholarship and learning, but in a genuinely humble and modest way. He had an irrepressible spirit, and a sense of humor and gratitude, Above all else, he was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and with his friends.
Abe is survived by his wife, companion, partner and soul mate Adaia; children Alina Shumsky and her husband David Chatalbash, and Ron Shumsky and his wife Naho Kikuchi; grandchildren Rachel Chatalbash and her partner Mark Lamoureux, Allison Chatalbash and her husband Brian Wood, Hannah Chatalbash and her partner Patrick Clancy, Mizuki Shumsky, and Hikari Shumsky; and great-grandson baby Benjamin Wood who was with him at the very end.
Abe was interred at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath, Maine on September 21. If so desired, contributions in Abe’s memory may be made to Beth Israel Congregation, 862 Washington St., Bath, ME 04530.
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