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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
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
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
Thanksgiving in Difficult Circumstances: Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer
Click here to read Rabbi Singer’s full Thanksgiving Message on his beautiful blog. Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that has come to represent different things to different people. At its best, Thanksgiving is celebrated the way it is shown in sentimental grocery store commercials. Families gather from far and
November 21, 2023
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
A Message Regarding Israel-In the Words of Rabbi Singer
This week we faced an unfathomable reality. The situation happening in Israel is complex. Our hearts are in the east while we remain in the west, trying to comprehend the inhumane destruction of our people. We sit here in confusion, sadness, anger, and some may feel hopeless. While I always
October 13, 2023
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
Sermon by Rabbi Merle E. Singer – High Holy Days 2023/5784
Judaism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is a system of beliefs, rituals, and a profound philosophy emphasizing self-improvement and our connection with the universe. Rooted in ancient teachings, Judaism offers a unique perspective on personal growth, ethical conduct, and the inter-connectedness of all living beings. Central to the Jewish
September 26, 2023
In the Words of Rabbi Singer
In the Words of Rabbi Singer – Issue #4
A regular blog series from Temple Beth El, bringing you moments of heart and insight from Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer.What would life be if it were a simple path where all the intricate pieces perfectly fit? Just a simple path with no worry in sight. Some may ponder the
March 13, 2023
