Who’s Who

Dr. Joe Segel, z”l, was Grammy’s second husband, and the one who Adina knows as Grandpa.  Grandpa Joe was an amazing clinician loved by all his patients, and was Adina’s inspiration to be a doctor. Adina remembers his amazing stories and how he was in the audience of every performance with a big smile.

Patricia Passy, z”l, – Marc’s mom, and for whom Adina is named. Grandma Pat was steadfast and determined. While Adina never met Grandma Pat, she embodies so much of her strength and fierceness.

Meir Passy, z”l, Marc’s father. Nonno was a creative and loving grandfather. A native Sabra, he was born in Mandatory Palestine and was proud of his heritage.  Adina remembers practicing her Hebrew and learning about Jewish communities in other parts of the world with her Nonno.

Jerard Cohen, z”l, Adele’s first husband and Elise’s father.  He was a leader in the Houston Jewish community. Adina’s commitment to building community comes from him. We were blessed to use the torah that Grammy Adele donated in his memory.

Adele Segel- Grammy/GG is Adina’s family’s matriarch. We are so pleased to have her at our wedding. She is known for making anything she touches beautiful and for celebrating life to the fullest. If you want to know more, you can ask her yourself.

Janis Passy – Nonno’s second wife, who we are joyed is able to join us today.

Adina’s Abba.

Adina’s Ima and co-wedding planner extraordinaire

MC, and Adina’s older brother.

Adina’s sister-in-law and matron of honor

Adina’s Younger sister, and maid of honor

Elise’s Brother

Elise’s sister-in-law

Adina’s one and only first cousin.

Marc’s sister

Ed Brasch, z”l, Joel’s father. A veteran of the Korean War. He taught us to enjoy the small things in life, like extra onions on a hotdog or a bagel, shared with your family and loved ones. His famous “good morning song” will forever be in our hearts.

Joel’s Mom, Tina Brasch, z”l. Nana Tina never missed a Friday night shabbat dinner at the Brasch home for all the years of the children growing up. She was a very strong-willed and independent woman. We remember deeply her high-pitched, harmonious, relaxing humming during Joel’s kiddush on Friday night.

Nancy Brasch, Grandpa Ed’s second wife, who couldn’t be here today. She sends her love.

Dr. Alfonso Tamayo, Mary Anne’s father. A very devout Filipino-Catholic man, a medical doctor who had wanted to become a priest. He was very supportive of Mary Anne’s journey in studying Judaism. Spencer remembers Grandpa Pons’s red suspenders, his slicked-back black hair, and him sitting in the front row at every Jewish day school assembly and graduation, with a big warm smile and one of the black, silky kippahs he picked up at the entrance. His collection of cowboy boots would have come in handy at our wedding.

Cornelia Tamayo, Mary Anne’s mother. She loved her grandchildren dearly. She moved from the Philippines at 18 and raised her three children here in the United States. She was instrumental in the founding of her husband’s medical practice and helped run the entire practice until he passed away. She was a competative swimmer, volleyball player, concert pianist, and singer. Her passion for the “beautiful-extra” in life is something Spencer carries on from her.

Spencer’s Abba.

Spencer’s Mamma.

Spencer’s Older Sister

Spencer’s sabra brother-in-law.

Spencer’s nephew.

Spencer’s niece.

Best Man, MC, and Spencer’s younger brother.

Spencer’s younger sister

Spencer’s penultimate youngest sister.

Spencer’s youngest sister

Joel’s older brother.

Joel’s brother-in-law.

Joel’s younger sister

Spencer’s first cousin.

Spencer’s first cousin

Spencer’s first cousin.

Spencer’s college roommate and friend from the Gush

Adina’s friend, co-wedding planner extraordinaire and the Passy’s loaner (on loan), daughter

Spencer’s friend from the Gush

Adina’s Roommate from seminary, who sadly couldn’t make it from Israel

Adina’s friend from college

Framily Brother (bridesman)

Framily sister-in-law

Spencer’s friend from college

Member of the Framily, and designer of the ketubah

Adina’s friend and learning partner from seminary.

Adina’s Framily little sister.

Spencer’s childhood friend

Spencer’s college roommate and friend from the Gush

Framily older sister

Framily brother-in-law

Spencer’s current roommate and friend

Adina’s friend from high school

Rabbi Hertz is the Rabbi of the Chabad community of Chicago, Rabbi of Congregation B’nei Reuven in West Rodgers Park, IL. He has a deep relationship with the Brasch family. Rabbi Hertz was fundamentally involved in Mary Anne’s orthodox conversion, as well as the orthodox conversions of some of the Brasch children, including 7-year-old Spencer. He is the Mesader Keddushin.

Rabbi Kirschenbaum is the Chabad Shaliach (emissary) of Washington Heights and rebbe of Spencer.

Rabbi Gershie Meisel is the Executive Director of Southwest NCSY and Rebbe of Adina

Rabbi Yochanan Posner is Director of Cteen Skokie and a Skokie Chabad shaliach. For years, he has always been there for the Brasch family, to learn Torah, to offer guidance, bringing great kedusha (holiness) to the entire family. Rabbi Posner began learning Torah with 9-year-old Spencer, and since then has been Spencer’s life-long rebbe.

Rabbi Simon, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva University. He is Spencer’s magid shiur and rebbe. In preparation for the wedding, Rabbi Simon served as Spencer’s Chatan (groom) teacher.

Rabbi Sprung is the Rabbi of United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston, TX. (Where you are sitting.) He came to Houston from Chicago, where he was the assistant Rabbi of Congregation Or Torah, of Skokie, IL, where the Brasch family goes to shul, and as such is connected to most of the guests at the wedding.