R’ Dr. Tzvi (Howard) Thaler a”h, a longtime resident of Crown Heights, passed away on Monday night, 7 Adar, after a long illness. Despite his physical limitations towards the end of his life, he inspired many with his positivity and dedication to yidishkeit. A man of profound intellect, unrelenting wit, and deep kindness.

He was 79 years old.

R’ Tzvi was passionate about Torah study, learning chassidus, davening, and attending many shiurim.

Towards the end of his life, the shiurim came to him virtually. He took great pleasure in telling detailed stories of the Rebbe, whom he loved dearly.

R’ Tzvi was one of the “pioneer” campus baalei teshuvah, becoming close to Rabbi Nosson Gurary while studying for his PhD at the University of Buffalo.

After earning his PhD in biostatistics from the State University of New York at Buffalo, R’ Tzvi distinguished himself during his 41 year career as a biostatistician for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).

In a letter to the Rebbe before his wedding, R’ Tzvi asked for a Bracha from the Rebbe “that the research in which I am involved be successful in revealing information that will help bring relief and cure…” He spent his career dedicated to this mission.

Dr. Thaler led the Biostatistics Consulting Service, where he provided essential mathematical expertise to doctors across the hospital. One of his most enduring legacies is the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. This tool, which helps doctors measure the frequency and distress of cancer symptoms, remains a fundamental part of how we improve the quality of life for patients today.

R’ Tzvi was always looking for opportunities to share the beauty he found in yiddishkeit with his friends and colleagues at MSK. He would connect insights on statistics that he found in his Torah studies and often gifted mezuzahs to colleagues.

Following the Rebbe’s encouragement that every Jew should have shmurah matzah for their seder, R’ Tzvi began packaging and distributing boxes of matzah to his Jewish colleagues in the weeks before Pesach. The list expanded to dozens and then hundreds, and, as R’ Tzvi’s illness progressed and he lost his mobility, several of the MSK physicians and staff stepped up to keep the distribution going. They have continued the mission since R Tzvi’s retirement—the annual “Thaler Matzah Distribution” continues to grow to this day. The sight of Dr. Adam Klotz driving his motorcycle from building to building with stacks of shmurah matzah boxes strapped to the back has now become an MSK hallmark in the weeks before Pesach.

R’ Tzvi’s legendary wit was present in every part of his life. With his colleagues, it showed in his relentless, but collegial grilling of seminar speakers and PhD students. With his friends, it showed in his spirited discussions and love for Torah. And with his family, it showed in the never-ending puns and jokes that brightened every meal.

R’ Tzvi showed that a sharp mind is best paired with a gentle soul.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel Blima, his children Leah Caroline (New Haven), Devorie Chaddad (Crown Heights), Rabbi Dov Ber Thaler (Sunrise, FL), Chaya Nejar (Baltimore, MD), Shani Bennish (Crown Heights), and his sister Zeesel Leah (Carolyn) Younger.

He was predeceased by his son, R’ Baruch Thaler a”h.

The levaya will take place at 770 Eastern Parkway on Wednesday at 12 PM, followed by 1 PM burial at Montefiore Cemetery – 121-83 Springfield Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413.

Shiva:
1398 Union Street
Women – use side entrance

Davening Times:
Shacharis: 10 AM
Mincha/maariv: 5:30

Visiting times:
11 am-2:30 pm
7:00 pm-9:30 pm

Friday:
Mincha 1:00 PM
Visiting 11-1

Motzei Shabbos:
Maariv right after Shabbos
Visiting 8-10

Sunday:
11 AM-9:30 PM
Break from 4-6

Baruch dayan hoemes