Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be taking part in the funeral of my teacher, colleague and friend, Rabbi Morris Dembowitz, who passed away Monday night, on Purim. Rabbi Dembowitz served many congregations throughout his long career, in addition to working for the Seminary developing Jewish educational opportunities across the country. He was a bright man with a warm smile and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a born teacher.
For the last several years, he and his wife Lee have lived in the Towers of Windsor and I have had the good fortune of davening with him in our Chapel many, many times. Few people know this but he had a special prayer book that he kept in the closet in our Chapel called “Otzar T’fillot”. It is not your typical siddur. Not only does it give you the prayer text, it is an encyclopedic commentary on the prayers as well. Rabbi Dembowitz would study and pray at the same time, shifting his gaze from the top to the bottom of the page. When he found something that he thought might interest me he would lean over, tap me on the shoulder and point to the phrase. It was always engaging. When I would look up after carefully considering the text, he would inevitably be smiling broadly.
And that is what I’ll always remember about Rabbi D. He showed me that one prays first, delves into the words second, and then shares with others the joy of the spiritual encounter just had. Live life fully, examine its meaning, and share your enthusiasm with others. Although he did not have an easy life and fate was not always kind to him, this simple prescription gave Rabbi Dembowitz more than 90 fruitful years. May his memory be a blessing.
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3 comments:
Cathching up on some reading. I am sorry to read about the pasting of your friend and teacher. But, as you tought me, he is in a much better place.
-Open Eyes
I knew Rabbi was very ill and "googled" to find out the details. He was my childhood rabbi and through the last 30+ years, I have kept in contact with him and his family even though I left the area. He is what I think of when I think of a rabbi. There are few who could give such a powerful and meaningful sermon. His voice called you to attention -- he was truly an orator. He contributed greatly to our entore family and I will never forget him.
It is now 2022. Many years ago I was Rabbi Debowitz’s specialty nurse while he was in hospital. We had many sessions together and I have never forgotten his kindness and beauty. He’s essence remains with me. He was a powerful presence. I shall never forget him.
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