Inspiring Jews who died in 5779     The close of every year brings with it bittersweet reminders of the incredible figures we lost in the year that was. Here are some whose stories inspired us the most. Pittsburgh victims     The shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue would become the deadliest act of terrorism against American Jews in the country’s history. Herman Wouk The Orthodox novelist helped usher Judaism into the American mainstream through more than two dozen novels and works of nonfiction. Amos Oz He won virtually every literary prize short of the Nobel and was perhaps Israel’s most widely translated author.   Peggy Lipton     The actress became the quintessential American flower child as the star of the crime drama “The Mod Squad.” Yechiel Eckstein History will remember him as the man who raised hundreds of millions of dollars, mostly from Christians, to benefit needy Jews in Israel and beyond. David Berman     Berman was a founder of the influential band Silver Jews, which released six albums between 1994 and 2008. Lori Gilbert-Kaye     When a gunman burst into the Chabad of Poway synagogue in April, she reportedly leapt in front of the rabbi to shield him from the bullets.  Barbra Siperstein  Siperstein was an advocate for gender equality and transgender rights. Eva Mozes Kor      The Holocaust survivor publicly forgave Mengele and made headlines in Germany for embracing Auschwitz guard Oskar Groening at his trial in 2015. Stan Lee Few had as significant and enduring an impact on the comic book industry as Lee, the genius behind Marvel comics. Simcha Rotem     Rotem was the last known surviving fighter of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. READ MORE   The Jewish Telegraphic Agency is a nonprofit organization and relies on the contributions of readers like you. Thank you for your support. SUPPORT JTA NOW © 2019 Jewish Telegraphic Agency All Rights Reserved