Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Rabbi Emeritus 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.
Nationally, Rabbi Merle E. Singer was actively involved in the Reform Movement and Jewish causes. He served on the executive board of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). He is a past president of the Southeast Region of the CCAR (SEACCAR) and the Israel Bonds National Rabbinic Cabinet, and was on the National Board of Governors of the Synagogue Council of America.
Blogs By This Author
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
In the Words of Rabbi Singer-Leadership
Leadership has always stirred the heart of humanity. Across the ages, we have sought voices to guide us from the great wilderness and uncertainty. Yet in this present day, with noise surrounding us and divisions deepening, we seek to understand: what does it mean to lead? What does it mean
February 5, 2026
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
In the Words of Rabbi Singer-Happy Chanukah
Chanukah arrives with a gentle reminder that a single flame can change the atmosphere of a room, and a single act of goodness can change the direction of a life. A candle simply glows, and that gentle light has a way of becoming a reminder that even the smallest brightness
December 11, 2025
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
High Holy Day Message : From Rabbi Merle E. Singer
As we gather for the High Holy Days, we are reminded that these sacred days are not only about looking back at what has passed, but also about looking forward with faith and courage. The shofar’s call awakens us to the possibility of renewal, encouraging each of us to rise
September 12, 2025
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
Lighting Up Chanukah by Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Chanukah begins this year on the same day as Christmas. It brings to mind a very difficult time I had when I was nine years old. I was the only Jewish kid in my class in Duluth, Minnesota. I was the only one in my class who was not celebrating
December 20, 2024
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
Thoughts on Kristallnacht: From Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Kristallnacht, also referred as the “Night of Broken Glass,” occurred on November 9th and 10th in 1938, marking a fundamentally dark period in Jewish history. During these brutal nights, Nazi forces and their supporters unleashed violence against Jewish communities across Germany and Austria, destroying synagogues, homes, and businesses while arresting
November 8, 2024
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
Yom Kippur Message from Rabbi Merle E. Singer
As we approach Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we are given a unique opportunity to reflect on our lives, to seek forgiveness, and renew our commitment to living with compassion and integrity. We all make mistakes because, as human beings, imperfection is in our nature, it is a natural
October 8, 2024
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
The Broken Hearted at the Holidays by Rabbi Merle E. Singer
There is Nothing More Whole Than a Broken Heart – Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk The High Holy Days are the most important days on the Jewish calendar. They also stand as a time of complex emotions for many of us. What should be a deeply meaningful time of reflection
September 20, 2024
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
You’ve Got to Believe in Magic by Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Something very important happened in my life when I was eleven years old. I was in fifth grade, and the second youngest child in a large family living in a big house in Duluth, Minnesota. There were many, many days when I’d walk down the steps from our front door,
April 12, 2024
Shabbat Message
Speaking For God: Shabbat Message from Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer
Years ago, I was composing a piece on Yitro – this week’s Torah portion. It was an early morning, and my granddaughter Emily, a young girl at that time, entered my study and asked, “Papa, what are you doing?” I told her I was composing a video commentary on Parashat Yitro,
February 2, 2024
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
In the Words of Rabbi Singer – Issue #5
A regular blog series from Temple Beth El, bringing you moments of heart and insight from Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer. Who Am I, you may ask? I am a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a nephew, a grandfather, an uncle, a friend, a Rabbi, and the myriad
January 9, 2024