Teen Line
In Loving Memory - Esther Iris Blum
Updated: Dec 22, 2022
June 10, 2005 – November 2, 2021

Esther Iris Blum lived life to the fullest and loved family, friends, pets, playing and listening to music, singing, dancing – especially hip-hop, which they competed in, fashion, spending time in nature and traveling. Esther was a dedicated student, loyal friend, loving sibling and a beloved member of our family.
Esther’s sibling, Rachel, older by 16 years, lives in Brooklyn. They spent time together each summer in trips planned by Rachel. Esther chanted Torah and Haftorah at their Bat Mitzvah, cared about the world and making it a better place for all. They marched in the Black Lives Matter protests and was in a Teen GSA club at school.
They surfed, played guitar and piano, sang and wrote songs, and posted covers of their favorite artist, Taylor Swift, on TikTok. Esther hiked with friends and dog, Sparky, who was almost like another sibling, and strived to do well academically. In tenth grade, during Covid, they took five honors classes, contributed poems and helped edit the Literary Journal, acted in a school play, and sang in choir and an acapella singing group.
In Fall of 2020, Esther Iris began training as a Teen Line volunteer, then stopped reluctantly in the Spring of 2021, when everything became too much. Esther began to focus on self-care more, worked with teachers to tailored down their course load and began seeing a therapist. In the summer, they traveled to Costa Rica and then the East Coast to go camping with Rachel. Returning to school, even with a reduced schedule, brought renewed stress and anxiety. Though happy to see friends, they took leave of school to enter an out-patient PHP program and then an IOP, where they improved. They began playing electric guitar.
Yet, on November 2, 2021, Esther left this world by their own hand, an action we hoped and prayed would never happen. Their loss sent waves of sadness through the Temple Beth Am, Pressman Academy, Teen Line, Camp Ramah, and Milken Community High School communities they were part of, and our entire extended family. They are remembered by many dear friends. They touched everyone they met with a kind and gentle demeanor, a genuine, radiant smile, and a thoughtful way of listening and walking in the world. May their memory be forever a blessing.
Donations received: $10,498
Raised by 43 donors
Recent Donations
Allen Jackson
$515 - November 5,2021
Thinking Of Your Family At This Time.
Marsha Levin
$257.50 - November 5,2021
Deborah, Sending you and Warren our love and our deepest condolences. You are in our hearts and prayers. With Love, Marsha & Fredrick Levin
Mark Reisbaum
$103 - November 5,2021
Anamaria Morris
$103 - November 6, 2021
Lisa Edwards
$37.08 - November 6, 2021
Our hearts are with you, Tracy & Lisa
Maja Stilling
$103 - November 7, 2021
Sending Love and Support . Even though I cannot be with you if person, I am there with you in spirit and sending my thoughts and love from Sweden. / Maja
David Blum
$103 - November 7, 2021
With All Our Love, David and Judy
Lucy Gardner
$103 - November 7, 2021
Cory Logan
$51.50 - November 7, 2021
Dearest Deborah and Warren, We are so sorry to learn of Esther`s passing. Know that you all are in our hearts. Love, Cory (Sorensen), Josh, Ryan & Emmett Logan
Dillon Ferenc
$51.50 - November 7, 2021
David & Tammy Ascher
$51.50 - November 7, 2021
With Love.
Bonita Selk
$37.08 - November 7, 2021
In Loving Memory Of Esther
Karen Frid-Madden
$103 - November 8, 2021
Esther brought a lot of love and a beautiful friendship to Ilana. She was so lucky to have her in her life and as a friend. Esther`s memory will live with all of us forever. Ilana and family
Orley Garber
$51.50 - November 8, 2021
Dr. Michael Berenbaum
$50 - November 8, 2021
Donation from Dr. Michael Berenbaum in memory of Esther Iris Blum
Janet Gtobard
$25.75 - November 8, 2021
So Sorry For Your Loss. Prayers For You and Your Family.
Paul and Susan Geller
$257.50 - November 9, 2021
Sarah Benor
$103 - November 9, 2021
We're So Sad About Esther's Death. We Know This Organization Was Important To Esther, and We Know They Help Many Teens Struggling With Mental Health.
Claire Suna
$51.50 - November 9, 2021
Wayne Clayton
$51.50 - November 9, 2021
Please Express Our Heartfelt Condolences To Your Family For This Tragic Loss.
James Novack
$51.50 - November 9, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
Michael Zoosman
$18.54 - November 9, 2021
Zichrona LIVRACHA… She is with you always...!
Ellie Shechet
$103 - November 10, 2021
Lots Of Love -- Ellie
Isabel Ponte
$10.30 - November 11, 2021
<3 For EB
Stephen Balogh
$515 - November 12, 2021
With Love - Steve and Isabel
Julie Adler
$360 - November 15, 2021
Rebecca, In memory of your beloved niece, Esther Iris Blum. We, your Wexner Chicago community, hold you in your grief. You, in your love for her, make her memory for a blessing.
Michael Waxman & Sheyna Ezrapour
$103 - November 16, 2021
Vivienne Peng
$103 - November 16, 2021
Charles Hammerslough
$37.08 - November 19, 2021
Hally Wohlandler
$309 - November 20, 2021
We Love You
Frank Klein
$25.75 - November 21, 2021
Having Lost A Young Nephew To Opiods Two Years Ago,My Wife and I Understand the Depth Of the Loss Of Young Esther Your Family Must Feel. I Hope That Our Contribution Helps A Tiny Bit.
Susan Jackson
$51.50 - November 24, 2021
Sending Our Condolences—love, Susan, Eric, and Henry (jackson/Pomerance)
Zwi Reznik
$100 - November 30, 2021
Donation from Zwi Reznik in memory of Esther Blum
Judy Eisikowitz
$50 - December 2, 2021
Laraine Kokin
$103 - December 5, 2021
In memory of beloved Esther Iris Blum
Laemmle Charitable Foundation
$5,000 - December 13, 2021
Laemmle Charitable Foundation
David Myers
$500 - December 13, 2021
In loving memory of Esther z"l. May her light always shine and her memory be a blessing to all. With love and sorrow, Nomi and David
Derek and Ileana Fromson
$25.75 - December 15, 2021
Larisa Kenen
$18.54 - December 16, 2021
May Her Memory Be For A Blessing
Paul Berkowitz
$185.40 - December 23, 2021
My Deepest Sympathies To You and Your Family. Paul Berkowitz a member of Anshe Emet
Susan & Jon Jerison
$257.50 - December 30, 2021
In memory of Esther Blum
Jeff & Judy Gottesman
$103 - January 21, 2022
Amy and Stefan Knerrich Rubin
$257.50 - February 3, 2022
We Will Always Remember Esther. May Her Memory Be A Blessing.