Departures of note

Shoshik Shani, born Shoshana Shprung in Tel Aviv, was a celebrated Israeli actress and singer whose career spanned theater, film, and television. She began performing in childhood and studied acting at the Cameri Theater school founded by Yosef and Yemima Milo. She met her future husband, singer Arik Lavie, at age 17 while studying at the Youth Theater, and they remained together until his death in 2004.

Shani served in the Nahal entertainment troupe and returned to the Cameri Theater after her discharge, appearing in productions including "The Good Soul of Szechuan," "He Walked Through the Fields," "Princess Ivonne," and "The Master Builder." One of her career highlights was playing the Miller's Daughter in the iconic musical "Otz Li Gotz Li," which became the longest-running production in Israeli theater history. In the 1950s, the couple traveled to New York where she studied with Uta Hagen, and upon return they created successful entertainment shows written by Ephraim Kishon.

In her 50s, Shani stepped away from stage performance but continued acting in film and television. Her screen credits included "Chadva VeShlomik," "Operation Jonathan," Uri Zohar's "Hole in the Moon," "The Unemployed in Tito" alongside Zeev Roach and her husband, "Susetz," and "Hunting Elephants." She also recorded children's albums including "Tafshuni Roni" and stories for young audiences. Shani died at age 91 from lung cancer, choosing not to undergo treatment and living fully until the end.