I first met Marv shortly after he and Sharon were married and I thought he was a very sweet person. Unfortunately our families did not see each other often and as a result I did not have the chance to develop a deeper relationship with him. In the Fall of 1999 I was taking some courses as prerequisites for a Master’s Program at CSUN and I was enrolled in a Psychology class with Professor Nissenholtz. Professor Nissenholtz asked us to write a journal that would be turned in at each class meeting. I found myself staying up VERY late at night writing the journals until one day I looked around the classroom and saw that MANY of the students (who were significantly younger than I was) were quickly writing their journals at the beginning of class AND so I decided that this seemed like a good idea (since I was burning the candle at both ends, working a full-time job, being a mother to 3 of my four daughters...Sarra was away at college already, and trying to keep up with my two college classes.) I sat on the far right side of the room, next to the wall under a row of windows and it seemed to me that if I kept my head down low and just wrote quickly, not looking up at the front of the room, that the Professor would not notice me. AND so it was that one day soon after I began this routine, I noticed two legs standing next to me at my desk and a tall person with a deep voice saying, “Merrill?” and I sheepishly looked up, only to see Professor Marv Chernoff standing there asking if it was me. To this day I do not know how he knew it was me. I was stunned. He was there, substituting for his friend Dr. Nissenholtz. It wasn't like we saw each other often. I was really surprised. At the beginning of the class Marv shared his credentials with us, telling us about his academic degrees, BUT also sharing with us that he had written a play, Chaim’s Love Song, which was playing Off Broadway at the time. It so happened that at the same time as this I was a co-chair of an upcoming professional conference that was going to be held in Newark, New Jersey in January for the Jewish Youth DIrector’s Association. One of the things that I had wanted to do was take the conference attendees to a play in New York City, but I was finding that the prices of the plays in New York were really too expensive for our budget. When Marv gave our class a break in the middle of the three hour class, I RAN up to him to find out more information about the play AND to see if I could bring a group to see it. Another funny side note is that Aunt Sylvia, Marv’s mother in law, had actually written to us on her annual Rosh Hashanah card that “Marv’s play was playing off Broadway”, shared like only a proud mother in law can be. Marv put me in touch with his agent in New York and I made the arrangements to take our group to see Chaim’s Love Song. Fast forward to January and our conference….I was a HUGE fan of a new book that had recently come out called Small Miracles and I was lucky enough to have arranged to have one of the authors of the book as a scholar in residence at our conference. Judith Leventhal, a Chabad rebbetzin, and at the time, a mother of two daughters, came with her family and shared stories with us throughout Shabbat. It was the first time she and her family had ever seen a woman lead services or read from the Torah. They participated in our services and were very respectful. After Shabbat was over, on Saturday night, she sold over 100 copies of her books. The following afternoon our group went into New York City to see Chaim’s Love Song, Marv’s beautiful play, that was both meaningful and poignant. Just before the intermission Chaim’s daughter had a flashback to when she was younger and she came out reading a book….the book she was holding was Small Miracles. All of a sudden there was an audible gasp from most, if not all, of the conference participants that were with me, AND the minute the lights went up everyone came running over to me to ask if I had planted the book, which I hadn't! I have never forgotten MY Small Miracle that Marv substituted for my class and made it possible for me and my group to see his magnificent play Chaim’s Love Song. Thank you, again, Marv! I continue to count my blessings and you were one of them! Love, Cousin Merrill Alpert

So wonderful to be part of today's meaningful service even while sitting in my NY office with my door closed and a sign that said "attending my cousin's funeral." I was on the Westside and Merrill was at work on the Eastside and we texted back and forth at a number of special moments. One of those moments, Sharon, was when you spoke. So beautiful, so accurate and honest, so loving. You gave much so each other and, as a result, to each of us. Marv's memory will be for a blessing.

Marv was so very dear to me. He was my thesis advisor and helped me write a play about having breast cancer, which was part of my MS thesis. He encouraged me to have the play performed in a festival of one-act plays-he made that happen for me. This was life changing for me. Not only did it give me a new look at life, it gave me a wonderful friend. I will forever be grateful to Marv for all that he did for me and our friendship, which also included dear Sharon. We all took trips together, laughed a lot, talked a lot and lived a lot. It was always wonderful to be with them. With much love, I miss Marv!!!

It was a gift to connect with Marv again at our 50th High School Reunion. Our 51st Reunion was special when a local actor read Marv's play HOWIE LEARNS AMERICA. I was delighted to meet Sharon and spend time with both Marv and Sharon when I was in California during the early 2000's. Marv will be missed!

Marv was the Rabbi of my Marriage ceremony in 1996 Thanks Marv, for being in my life and all our times together.

Dear Sharon, We love you. After meeting Marv, we really found all of the interesting things Marv offered and his extreme kindness. Big guy - big heart. We are here for your and couldn't love your more. Bobbie and Ben

Marv was a giant of a man, no one would disagree. He had an undeniable presence wherever he went, like it or not. Forty-four years in my life as teacher and friend and role model, too, he is already sorely missed. He and Sharon have been so important both to me and to my partner, Alyce. Like Sharon, he was always welcoming, loving, supportive, fun, and challenging in every way. He was loved for sure. He had the most amazing way of making each one of us feel special to him. He was certainly blessed and lucky to have Sharon always at his side.

In Westlake, after another delicious restaurant meal where we talked and laughed and just enjoyed being together with the photographer too, of course. Thank you Sharon for everything you have done.

Get together with friends.

Marv was a bright light, a creative and giant presence and, best of all, a wonderful friend. He always made me feel special to him and he was special to me. Wonderful times playing RummiKube, reading his plays with Sharon and Gail, going to movies and talking...talking...talking about everything. I will miss him. Sharon, you have been a wonderful partner in life to Marv and I'm glad you're in our lives. Alyce LaViolette

Marv's 80th birthday

Marv and Bernie

Marv and Hal

Marv, You and Dick will have a lot to catch up on. Rest in peace.

I came to Marv through Sharon. He was hard to get to know at first, a little suspicious of her tight group of longtime friends. But as he thawed, I found a most interesting, passionate, loving, delightful fellow. I'm so grateful that he and Sharon had a chance to spend a weekend with me and Alfy at his place in Lake Arrowhead. I have already missed him for a few years, and I shall keep his memory dear to my heart.

I had the honor of performing in Marvin's play "The Howie Monologues" in Los Angeles in 2007. He came to see the production of our West Coast premiere. He was delightful and he signed by script. It was and is a very fond memory of being in "The Howie Monologues" and meeting Marvin. May he be at peace. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

Performed in the West Coast premiere of "The Howie Monologues"! Written by Marvin Chernoff. Directed by Larry Eisenberg