Hi, I’m Aviva Black.
As we were going through my father’s papers a few days after he died, my brother, sister, and I, found a sealed letter he’d left for us in the top drawer of his desk.
That letter became the inspiration for Family Love Letters.
My father was a rabbi. He was wise and had a way with words.
But more than that, he was warm and had a terrific sense of humor. The letter he wrote captured all this and he wrapped every word in love.
I reread his heartfelt message when I need encouragement or just want to hear his voice.
I can only imagine how satisfying it would have been to have talked with him during his lifetime about what he wrote.
My father and I.
While I knew my father’s values and many of his stories, his letter has been such a gift to his children and grandchildren.
He's provided us with an enduring connection and, perhaps, an even a better understanding of ourselves.
I created Family Love Letters to help others craft such a letter of a lifetime.
I spent my early years in business honing my process, so the experience is engaging and easy for the participant.
Five years later, I’m thrilled to say that family members love our talks and their families treasure the letter.
“You helped me to think about what’s been most important in my life, the values and recurring themes that I hope to pass on.”
— Bev T.
A bit more about me…
Among my many hats, I have been a history teacher and Vice Principal, a yoga instructor and synagogue board member.
I continue to enjoy my role as a mother, coordinator of my temple's Intergenerational Connect and, yes, as a rabbi’s kid.
I earned a B.A. in political science at the University of Vermont and a Masters of Education at Hunter College.
The thread throughout my life has been about connection and honoring what people have to say.
I live in Oakland, California with my husband, daughter and son and my mother who lives nearby.
Media Appearances & Interviews
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Caring for Your Aging Parents
Preserving Family Legacies Through Love Letters with Aviva: Why Preserve Your Family Memories?
We delved into the significance of preserving family memories through these tangible letters, putting to rest the misconception that younger generations aren’t interested.
Quite the contrary, we found that these pieces of family history are deeply cherished by all, stimulating deeper conversations and connections.
We underscore the importance of initiating this preservation process before it's too late. Sadly, many experience regret when precious stories are lost to time.
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The Legacy Project
Creating Lasting Connections with Family
The Legacy Project is a new podcast initiative that focuses on local, small business leaders, their stories, journeys, and lessons they have for fellow entrepreneurs.
Episode #3 is a conversation with Aviva Black, founder of Family Love Letters, which provides opportunities to celebrate and honor loved ones while creating lasting connections between the generations.
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The Jewish News of Northern California
Oakland Woman Helps Connect Generations of Families Through Letter-writing
In 2018, Aviva Black of Oakland found her father’s ethical will while cleaning out his desk shortly after he passed away.
It was a wisdom-filled letter her father, a rabbi in New Jersey, wrote decades earlier for his children.
It reminded Black of the Jewish principle of l’dor v’dor — a passing of values and traditions from generation to generation — and inspired her to establish her business, Family Love Letters.
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Liberty Road
Liberating Women in the Middle One Story at a Time: Why Investing in Yourself First Breeds Confidence Later with Aviva Black
Before Aviva Black launched her current venture, she was a history teacher, vice Principal, non-profit director, and yoga teacher – and the throughline in all her work has been story-telling.
Aviva now works one-on-one with individuals and families today, documenting and sharing their cherished memories. In this episode, Nada sits down with Aviva to hear how a found letter from her father changed her trajectory.
