Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer.
In life, we have chances and opportunities. In life, we can either be the lifesaver toward others or the passerby. I ask you, which are you? As a Rabbi, it is my birthright and civic duty to help and aid my community, family, and friends despite my own hardships. When we help others we help ourselves.
Recently I learned valuable lessons about the interpretation of hardship for each person. I also learned how I can respond to those who have reached out to me with sympathy, and how I respond to those in need of my care and support.
We can ponder through a judgmental lens or we can be that lifesaver and let our hearts be the leading force. I challenge you all to lead with your heart even during the rigors we face as individuals, families, and community members.
For those who held my hand during my hardships, thank you. But keep your hand open for others as one day you will need that aiding hand in return.
As my beautiful Myra has always taught me, we always help others no matter what, and it was through her love and care for community outreach and The Giving Tree that exemplifies the woman she was that molded me into the Rabbi I am today.
I love to offer challenges and this is my challenge for you; connect with someone who needs it. Often the strongest of souls are the very people that need a friend. For many, mustering a smile is half the battle, but when we take the lessons of the Torah to love thy neighbor, we learn about the intrinsic value and mission of compassion and care.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Rabbi Merle E. Singer is Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus. He retired in 2005 after serving as the Temple’s senior spiritual leader for 28 years. During that time, the Temple grew from a small congregation to one of the largest and most vibrant synagogues in the United States.
