Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about clergy.
It could be because our community recently lost two of our most beloved Rabbanim in just the past three weeks. Or perhaps it’s been my recent experience at a breakfast with about 25 Rabbis from synagogues across Greater MetroWest. Maybe it’s the powerful memories of the Interfaith Mission to Israel in late January, which included a Rabbi who almost canceled last minute due to an antisemitic protest at her synagogue.
Whatever the reason, my mind has been full of admiration and respect for the individuals who lead our community with deep spiritual guidance, an immense knowledge of Jewish texts, unwavering compassion, and a sensitivity to the role Jews play in society. Above all, Rabbis are teachers—and I deeply believe in the power and importance of Jewish education.
Throughout my life, Rabbis have played a crucial role in milestones like B’nai Mitzvot, weddings, and Brit Milot. They’ve been there for my family during moments of loss, offering wisdom and comfort.
When my father realized his battle with ALS was nearing its end, a remarkable Rabbi reassured him that accepting his fate was in line with Jewish teachings and that he didn’t need to pursue extraordinary measures to prolong a life without quality. This allowed my father to make the incredibly courageous decision to forgo a ventilator and accept the end of his 80-year-long journey.
Another memory that stands out is how Rabbis—and perhaps more often Cantors—shaped my love for music and theater. I grew up in a home where my father was just as likely to play records by Chazzanim like Yossele Rosenblatt as he was to spin a Frank Sinatra album. One of the highlights of my son-in-law’s Shabbat Chatan in Israel was the group of Chazzanim who led the service.
The Greater MetroWest New Jersey community is truly fortunate to have around 80 congregations spanning almost every denomination. Some have Rabbis who have been in place for decades, while others are just beginning their journeys with new leaders. These Rabbis are our teachers, mentors, and friends, guiding us in living lives rooted in Jewish values. They are the threads that weave our community together. When we lose a Rabbi, it’s like a tear in that fabric—a gaping hole can sometimes appear.
As I mentioned, our community suffered from two big losses in the past three weeks. Rabbi Moshe Herson z”l, who was the leader of the Rabbinical College of America, one of the Chabad movements most outstanding yeshivot. He was also the incredibly well-respected head of more than 70 Chabad Shluchum in New Jersey. He will be sorely missed by his family and our entire community.
Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz zt”l was the longtime leader of the Jewish community in Elizabeth, NJ. He was humble, passionate, brilliant, and cared about every person. Under Rav Teitz’s guidance, the Jewish Educational Center (JEC) in Elizabeth flourished, encompassing the JEC Lower and Middle School, Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy (high school for boys), and Bruriah High School for Girls, a Kollel, multiple mikvaot, a cemetery, day care, community center, day camp, and more. The Rav’s knowledge of all areas of Torah and Jewish law combined with his love of mathematics formed the foundation of a life dedicated to the value of straightness, prioritizing honesty and clarity in thought and action—and service to the community. Rav Teitz was a Torah scholar, beloved educator, community builder, and a role model to all.
Over the past two decades, I had many opportunities to meet with and observe both Rabbi Herson and Rav Teitz, and each time, I felt like I left a better person. May their memories continue to be a blessing for all of us.
Rabbis give us so much to think about—through their sermons, writings, prayers, responses to our halachic questions, and even the casual conversations we share. I don’t take any of this for granted, and I hope that each of us takes a moment to appreciate who they are and what they contribute to our community every day. Maybe it’s time for me to revisit some of my father’s old records and listen again to the voices of hope, peace, and strength.