In my recent journey as a Rabbi Emeritus, I have been blessed with the guidance and support of my Rabbinical Assistant, Debra. Her unwavering dedication to kindness, forgiveness, and compassion has been a source of strength and inspiration to my work and purpose as a Rabbi. Debra’s ability to see light even in the hardest moments is nothing short of inspiring. While I know she has learned much in our talks, I have equally learned the value of hope from her life experiences and perspectives. Whether through our insightful writings and articles or our heartfelt conversations and Torah talks, she has a unique way of reminding me that hope is not just a distant dream but a tangible force we can cultivate within ourselves and our communities. There have been moments when the weight of life’s challenges felt overwhelming, and together, Debra and I found writing and classical music inspiring to thrive. Through her leadership in her various roles to her commitment to family ...
A collection of thoughts and words by Rabbi Merle E. Singer