Remembering Rabbi Zeldin: A Legacy of Learning
by Cantor Emma Lutz
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Rabbi Zeldin at his home in the desert with Rabbi Yoshi. I sat next to him in a cozy chair, a mesmerized student, fully engaged in his stories and teachings. His reputation had of course preceded him, and he was indeed a most natural and gifted teacher, sharing the lore of our sacred community here at Stephen Wise Temple as well as wisdom from our tradition. I left his home feeling connected, inspired, and well-taught.
Last evening we celebrated 40 years of Jewish education at Stephen Wise Temple and Schools, built upon the legacy of our great and beloved teacher Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin. Rabbi Zeldin’s legacy reminds us that Jewish communities grow and thrive when education is held as the highest shared value.
Adam and Eve chose knowledge above all else, even when paradise dangled before them. May we build upon the great legacy of Rabbi Zeldin and our tradition, daily choosing knowledge and opening our hearts to our tradition’s lessons at every opportunity we have.
May Rabbi Zeldin’s memory forever be a blessing.
