LA MESA, California – On Friday, September 5, I lost a wonderful, dear friend, William (Bill) Goldschneider, z”l, whom cancer took away after a long battle.
I remember some time in 2016, I joined the Braun Library Book Club at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. I was not a member but had moved back to San Diego with my family and had always wanted to join a book club so that I had an assignment/obligation to finish the book and be ready for the discussion.
I was also yearning for more connection to Judaism and to get my then three-year-old twins more involved. In the book club was Sharon Goldschneider, and we hit it off immediately. Every time I came to Tifereth, she would hug me and welcome me. I immediately knew I had found a new spiritual home amongst such wonderful, loving women.
One of my favorite things to do is to create one-of-a-kind paper quilling cards for birthdays. Since I was new to the book club group, I overheard Sharon say she had a birthday coming up in August. So, I made a mental note to make her a card and bring it to the August book club meeting. I secretly had the card passed around for the group to sign, and then we sang Happy Birthday to Sharon, and she was so surprised and humbled. She told me I had to meet her Bill, as he is an artist. She was so touched that I had made her something just for her.
One of the book club meetings was hosted at the Goldschneider residence, and afterwards, Bill showed me his wood-carved works around the house and showed me his workstation in the garage. I have no idea how long I stayed marveling at his work, but we connected speaking the language of art.
As the years passed, when we would see each other at Tifereth at an event, or at a monthly Sisterhood lunch, we would sit together and show each other pictures on our phones of what we were working on, and would talk our art language. Sometimes Sharon would say it was okay to talk to some of the other people at the event, but I said I was with whom I wanted to be talking. We would talk about what we wanted to learn more about. These conversations would always make us laugh, hug, cry, and just talk raw (some cuss words possibly).
The other night, I was at a Young Jewish Women’s meet-up and was asked, “If I had more free time, what would I be doing?” I said “devoting more time to my art.” I do many media (watercolor, acrylic, knitting, paper quilling — I’m a CZT, Certified Zentangle Teacher — and sewing). I create when I can, but if I had no obligations or commitments, I would be in heaven, just creating away with no care in the world.
As I learned of the passing of my dear sweet friend Bill, I know he probably sent me a message to keep learning new media and to make time for myself to create. I will miss our language of art, but I know he is encouraging me to continue.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
This comment received from Sandy Scheller, who just learned of Bill’s death:
Although I only had the privilege of meeting him once, Bill Goldschneider felt like a dear friend. His warmth, humility, and quiet brilliance radiated through his work, and his language of art spoke volumes—universally understood, deeply felt, and profoundly cherished.
Bill was more than a clockmaker; he was a keeper of tradition and a storyteller through wood. His artistry ranged from intricate clocks that marked the steady passage of time to beautifully crafted menorahs and other Judaic treasures that rekindled in us the traditions we so deeply hold onto. Each piece he created was more than an object—it was an expression of love, memory, and faith.
The news of his passing in San Diego brings sadness to all who knew him or knew of his work. Yet there is comfort in knowing that his pain has ended and that his spirit lives on in the pieces he left behind. His art will outlive us all, continuing to inspire, comfort, and remind us of the values he held so dear.
For those fortunate enough to own one of his creations, cherish it as you would a child. Look upon it often and remember that every detail, every carving, every stroke of care was made with pure love. Bill’s work was not just about wood and tools—it was about preserving identity, passing on tradition, and reminding us that faith is alive.
Before I left, Bill gave me a necklace. I am proud to own a piece of his art—something I will cherish forever. Bill Goldschneider’s legacy is one of craftsmanship, heart, and timeless devotion. Through his art, he gave us more than beauty; he gave us pieces of himself. And in that gift, he will never truly be gone.
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A wooden art maker, steady and true,
Bill Goldschneider’s hands always knew.
Clicking in time, each tick, each chime,
Marking the passage of life and of time.
His art was his heartbeat, his breath, his song,
A legacy crafted, enduring and strong.
From clocks that whispered of hours gone by,
To menorahs that lifted our prayers to the sky.
Wood shaped with care, each carving alive,
A testament showing our faith will survive.
In every creation, his spirit would shine,
Bill’s art was eternal and truly divine.
A craftsman remembered, his memory stays,
A keeper of faith in the old, gentle ways.
Through wood and through fire, his story will live,
For time is a gift he chose to give.
Bill was such a sweet and talented guy. He will definitely be missed.
Bill and Sharon have been wonderful over the years that we knew them. Quiet and reserve, gentle and caring.
What a nice, loving tribute. I met him at the art fair a few years ago. RIP