It is with deep sadness that the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC) has learned of the passing of Rabbi Lawrence "Larry" Raphael. At the time of his repose Rabbi Larry was completing his second term as an SFIC Board Member and the Council's Treasurer. His clergy and lay colleagues in San Francisco's diverse religious community will remember Rabbi Larry for his kindness, wisdom, and sincerely engaging interfaith spirit. In addition to his distinguished tenure as Dean of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and subsequently Director of the Department of Adult Jewish Growth at the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Larry will be remembered by the congregants of Congregation Sherith Israel for his many years of faithful service as their Senior Rabbi. We extend heartfelt condolences to both the Raphael family as well as the Congregation Sherith Israel community. We share the following memorial testimony issued by Congregation Sherith Israel and encourage all who are able to attend the memorial service being offered in the sanctuary (2266 California Street, San Francisco) on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:00 pm. May his memory be a blessing!

 

Rabbi Lawrence "Larry" Raphael z"/

Memorial Service

May 4, 6pm

Dear Sherith Israel Community,

We imagine that many of you shared our profound sense of loss upon learning of Rabbi Raphael's death. On May 4th at 6 pm we will come together as a community to celebrate his life.

Rabbi Larry, as he was affectionately known, was an engaging presence with a ready smile and a deep reserve of compassion. Rabbi Larry was also a gifted teacher and led this congregation through some of its most challenging moments.

We hope you will join us for this special evening of remembrance and celebration. May Rabbi Larry's memory be a blessing for us all.

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