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The next four Dov Babies — Chai ("Life"), Simcha ("Joy"), Mitzvah ("Good Deed") and Ahava ("Love") — will be available this year.

Their signature Dov Bear, called the "Rabbi Bear" by many collectors, has also been very well received. This limited-edition bear, designed and signed by Sally Winey, retails for $199.95, plus shipping and handling. The other Dov Babies, also designed by Winey, retail for about $10. They're available through the Dov Bears Web site as well as through some Judaica stores.

For Elaine, the bears are more than just products for sale. "All our bears have beautiful spiritual messages. They make me smile. And we hope those who have our bears feel the same way."

Although Elaine doesn't play favorites among her children and grandchildren, she does among her bears. "Dov is my favorite bear. He's my husband — the warmth and goodness he represents."

Dov Bear was named after Barry whose Hebrew name was Dov.

"To Barry, family was always first and foremost," his wife says. "Whenever there was a holiday, the family would gather at our home — and not just our immediate family but our extended family and friends. At times, as many as 50 people would share dinner with us. It was this feeling of warmth and the ability to positively impact others that we wanted to capture with Dov Bear. I think that's exactly what we have done."

Today, her focus is still on her family but she has another goal.

"We want to build a successful business in Barry's memory. One that he would have enjoyed and been proud of. If Barry saw our bears and their wonderful messages, I know it would make him very happy."