In memory of Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro z”l

November 9, 7:00 pm

ANNUAL LECTURE IN MEMORY OF RABBI MARK DOV SHAPIRO Z”L

Yes, Virginia, there is Jewish spirituality, and it is more than fluff. It runs deep through Jewish texts and the ordinary Jewish practices that we mistakenly take for granted. Visits to Israel, Torah study, even the blessings we say over food — all of these carry distinctively Jewish approaches to life, the cosmos, and the ethics that ought to drive us. It is thoughtful Jewish spirituality that connects the dots of our lives and shapes a world in which we matter.

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Prof. Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman is Barbara and Stephen Friedman Professor of Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual at HUC-JIR, where he was ordained and where received his Ph.D. He is the editor of the multi-volume My People’s Prayerbook, and among his many books are Beyond the Text, Rethinking Synagogues, and Canonization of the Synagogue Service.

Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro z”l served Holy Blossom Temple from 1977-1982.  He is remembered by many with admiration and warm friendship.https://holyblossom.org/remembering-rabbi-mark-dov-shapiro-zl/. The majority of his rabbinate was in Springfield, Massachusetts, but he and his wife, Marsha, both native Torontonians, always maintained close ties here.  Rabbi Shapiro was especially devoted to interfaith relations, social justice, pastoral care, and lifelong learning.  He strengthened the Reform Movement by serving on many committees and writing publications for the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union of Reform Judaism.  Most of all, Rabbi Shapiro is forever cherished for his constant warmth and kindness.  Family and friends, colleagues and congregants have given generously to establish an annual lecture in Rabbi Shapiro’s name.  We dedicate this learning to his memory.