Rabbi Zalman
Schachter-Shalomi, z"l
He was a visionary, creating fully inclusive communities, making Jewish mysticism and joyful observance available to several generations of American Jews, and engaging in deep ecumenical relationships with leaders of the world’s religions. He was our mentor, friend, and a beloved teacher around the world.
For over 18 years, Makom Ohr Shalom was blessed with the presence and teachings of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi z”l (1924 – 2014). Reb Zalman was very influential in Makom’s development as a community and shul. He led our High Holy Days services for many years, even into his early 80’s.
“Reb Zalman” as he preferred to be known — was the most influential Jewish change-maker of his generation. His ideas and work spawned the worldwide interest in Jewish Renewal, numerous Jewish retreat centers, innovative social-change programs, and the interfaith eldering wisdom movement. Countless innovations in Jewish life and worship throughout the Jewish denominations sprang from his creative mind and from the many spiritual leaders and students he influenced.
Drawn to the spiritual and social change movements of the 1960s, and influenced by Christian, Sufi, and Eastern mysticism, he reached out to a generation of Jews hungry for spirituality. Reb Zalman is widely considered the “Zaide” (grandfather) of the Havurah movement throughout North America.
Jewish Renewal services are typified by joyous community participation, mediation, and contemplation. Reb Zalman encouraged the use of arts in liturgy—music, movement, drumming, and chanting.
Reb Zalman’s Prayer for Makom Ohr Shalom
To you good people of Makom Ohr Shalom, I want to say that I miss you;
I miss the davening with you, I miss the singing with you, I miss the joy that you generate.
Even in the places where things are solemn and profound, there you are with your joy and with your delight!
And for Makom Ohr Shalom, I want to offer a blessing to bring down min hashamayim [from the Heavens] that there should be an increase in membership to carry on this wonderful, holy work you are engaged in.
That you be blessed with a building that will suit you, and be right for you, and be able to hold all the many people who will flock to you for Shabatot and Yamim Tovim [holidays), and for study sessions.
And may you have the members and the budget that will allow for that…
So I pray for you;
“For all those who work for the needs of the community in faithfulness, may the Holy One reward them, heal them, forgive their sins, prosper the work of their hands, and send blessings upon them and upon all their brothers and sisters of the people Israel."
Amen.