Dr. Eli Landau a”h was a beloved long-time resident of Kew Gardens Hills with a valued dental practice visited by locals. Dr. Landau was a fine professional man with noteworthy mannerisms. In his soft-spoken way, he would often greet passerby with his signature smile and ask of their wellbeing. Dr. Landau was a quiet, humble, private individual who shied away from making a big deal about happenings. Many have noted that over the years he would open his office for emergency appointments, always available to help the community he held so dear. He frequented Bais Yosef D’Ulem and had a connection with various neighborhood rabbonim.
At his levaya on Monday April 6, 2020, Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, rov of the Young Israel of Queens Valley, solemnly expressed: “Shmuel Eliyahu ben Tzvi Halevi’s p’tirah leaves the Queens community with a profound unspeakable and tragic loss.” Although the modest dentist who operated a second office in Forest Hills was inexplicably taken too soon, we as a neighborhood must remember that we are all part of Hashem’s army and we still must turn to Him for nourishment.
Rabbi Marcus concluded, “Hashem will provide us the koach and chizuk to move ahead day by day.” It was suggested to elevate his neshama, we should each take upon one of Dr. Landau’s traits and apply them to our lives to personify his characteristics.
May his cherished wife Sharon and their children, grandchildren and extended family be comforted during this trying time.
