“Who is wise?” asks Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Ancestors.
“The one who learns from everyone.”

That teaching captures the spirit Harriet Shohet (z’l), one of our beloved Lab/Shul partners who passed away on Feb. 3, 2026.

Harriet brought a true zest for life and a genuine love of learning new things. A born and bred New Yorker and proud mother of two remarkable daughters, Carla and Jacqueline, and absolutely adored her 3 grandsons Ethan, Elan and Gavi who brought her endless joy. Harriet became an enthusiastic L/S Digital Partner during the pandemic, forming meaningful relationships with her Lab/Shul leaders and teachers. Whenever she joined a SoulSpa afternoon meditative gathering, her engaging, curious, and deeply appreciative presence lifted everyone’s spirits.
Harriet was endlessly curious—about ideas, about people, about the world. She didn’t just live her life; she engaged with it. She was a lifelong learner in every sense of the word.

Harriet led a beautiful life – full of joy, excitement and so much love. Her wisdom came from her curiosity, her openness, her willingness to keep showing up—to people, to new experiences, to whatever the day held.

May Harriet‘s legacy remind us to stay curious, to stay connected, to say yes to life, to open our tables wider, to find meaning in both the sacred and the everyday. May her spirit and spunk and wise legacy stay with us as a blessing.

Condolences may be shared with her beloved daughters, Carla Shohet and Jacqueline Shohet, as they honor their mother’s life and legacy.

Donations in honor of Harriet Shohet’s life may be made to any of these cherished organizations that were meaningful to her, continuing the generosity and spirit she carried throughout her life.

  • HIAS — Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS stands for a world in which refuges find welcome, safety, and opportunity.
  • Lab Shul –  our artist – driven, everybody friendly, God-optional, pop up, experimental community for sacred Jewish gatherings based in NYC.
    https://www.labshul.org/donate/
  • The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) — Offers programs to reduce stress and develop leaders so that human values can flourish in people and communities. Our missions is to foster the daily practice of human values – a sense of connectedness and respect for all people and the natural environment, an attitude of non- violence, and an ethic of social service. Our programs enhance clarity of mind, shift attitudes and behaviors, and develop leaders and communities that are resilient, responsible and inspired.