RABBI SIDNEY (SHALOM) RAPPAPORT

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RABBI SIDNEY (SHALOM) RAPPAPORT The family of Shalom Rappaport and the community at large are deeply saddened by his passing in Florida on Friday, November 6, 2009. Surviving is his wife (Elaine Frankel) of 58 years, his children: Alan, Bonny (Molyn), Eppy (Ellen), Danny (Marcy), nine grandchildren, his sister Lillian Leiman, and many nieces and nephews. Shalom was born in New York in 1927, the son of Asher and Celia Rappaport, and grew up surrounded by three loving sisters. He obtained his smicha - rabbinical confirmation - in 1951 from Mesivta Chaim Berlin, and later that year he and Elaine married. He began his rabbinical career in Pennsylvania, followed by a four year stay at a congregation in San Diego before he became spiritual leader of Rosh Pina Synagogue, Winnipeg, in 1967. He remained in that position until 1988 when he became Rabbi Emeritus. Under Shalom's dedicated leadership, Rosh Pina became a large and vibrant congregation and a significant force in Winnipeg's Jewish and greater community life. As Rabbi, he was beloved and honoured by his congregants because of his humility, his intellect, his sense of humour, his sensitivity and his understanding. In short, over and above all his ability and attributes, he was a quality mensch. He set the highest standard for synagogue leadership, devotion to family, friends, congregants, yiddishkeit, and to the State of Israel. He fulfilled each of his important roles of Rabbi, leader, teacher, and therapist with passion and compassion. His family was doubly blessed, as they were the direct beneficiaries of his love, care and wisdom, which was coupled with their great price in his community achievements. Upon his retirement, Shalom and Elaine moved to Florida where they integrated well into an active Jewish setting and made a significant contribution to the intellectual, spiritual and social life of their new community. Shalom was buried in Florida on Sunday, November 8. Contributions to honour his memory can be made to ICHLU RE'IM Soup Kitchen, 182 Jaffa Street, P.O. Box 6803 91060 Jerusalem, Israel or to the Rabbi Rappaport Education and Lecture Series Trust, in care of The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2009