A Moment in Time: âI Couldnât Do What I Do if She Didnât Do what She Didâ¦.â
My teacher, mentor, and friend, Rabbi Denise Eger is retiring from her position as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood.
- By Rabbi Zach Shapiro
- Published June 22, 2023
[additional-authors]
June 22, 2023
Dear all,
My teacher, mentor, and friend, is retiring from her position as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood. She was the founding rabbi of the synagogue 30 years ago. As as pioneer of âfirsts,â Rabbi Egerâs legacy is nothing short of inspiring. She teaches by example how to mark a significant moment in time by action, prayer, and transformation. The following is a note I recently shared with her.
Ron and I are so very honored to celebrate you.ÂWe could not do what we do had you not done what you do.
Never for a second do we underestimate the battles you fought for the sake of LGBTQ+ equality.
Never for a second do we take for granted the freedoms we enjoy because of your tremendous voice.
In my early years as a rabbi, in those times when I was afraid to introduce Ron as my boyfriend, you stood as a pillar of inspiration.
When the CCAR convened in Greensboro in 2000 to make our statement on Same Gender Wedding officiation, you got on the phone to ensure that I would be there to vote, to mark my place in history. âZach, you canât sit this one out. Get yourself on a plane, even if you are just there for 2 hours.â
You celebrated multiple times with me at Temple Akiba.
You invited me to lead services at Kol Ami.
You inspired me to be courageous.ÂYou encouraged me to use my voice.ÂAnd you reminded me how to balance what it means to both lead and serve a community.
To you and to (Rabbiâs Egerâs wife), may this next chapter be one of goodness, love, and life!
MAZAL TOV!!!
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Previous articleTravel Enthusiast’s Dream: Nina Ruggiero, Trailblazing Founder of ‘Be a Travel Writer’ Class!
Next articleJudge Your Fellow Favorably, Even Ruth Porat, Alphabet / Google CFO
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
Marion Haberman
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
Tabby Refael
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Dan Schnur
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
Ryan Torok
Youâre Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
Marion Haberman
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Larry Greenfield
Latest Articles
End the Iranian Islamic Regime, Now
Thane Rosenbaum
MENA States Respond to Iranâs Missile Strike on Israel
The Media Line Staff
Oct. 7 and April 13: Old Jew vs. New Jew
David Suissa
LA Jewish Symphony to Celebrate 30 Years with Anniversary Concert on April 14
Brian Fishbach
Amidst Iranâs Strike on Israel, âNo Credible Threats to Los Angeles,â LAPD Says
Ryan Torok
Netanyahu Confirms Military Readiness as Iran Launches Drone and Missile Barrage at Israel
The Media Line Staff
Culture
Delicious Entrees for Your Passover Seder
Debra L. Eckerling
A Passover Story â Of Meat Pies and Chicken Tagine
Sharon Gomperts and Rachel Emquies Sheff
Joan Nathan: âMy Life in Recipesâ and Pecan Lemon Torte
Debra L. Eckerling
A Last-Minute Trip to Israel and the Short Film that Offers Viewers ‘A Proxy Experience’ Post-Oct. 7
Tabby Refael
More in Culture
Rescued Hostage, Hostage Family Share Message of Hope to Over 1,000 at Yeshiva University
April 13, 2024
Luis Har, who survived 128 days in captivity, and parents of the still-captive Hersh Goldberg-Polin, shared stories of despair and hopes after six months of peril, with the story of Passover looming large in their minds in the coming days.
Fear and the Remedy – Thoughts on Torah Portion Tazria
April 12, 2024
Jewish UCLA Faculty Speak Out Against Antisemitism During UC Regents Health Committee Meeting
April 12, 2024
Around 25-30 faculty members, organized by the schoolâs Jewish Faculty Resilience Group, attended the meeting.
Are We Going to Stop for Lunch?
April 12, 2024
So far, the American Jewish community has been exceptional in its support for Israel. But there is a long road ahead, and the question remains: will we continue with this support?
Three Takeaways from This Weekâs Disastrous Dinner for Berkeley Law Graduates
April 11, 2024
Pro-Palestinian student spouted anti-Israel rhetoric at Jewish deanâs dinner party
Hollywood
Spielberg Says Antisemitism Is âNo Longer Lurking, But Standing Proudâ Like 1930s Germany
Aaron Bandler
Young Actress Juju Brener on Her âHocus Pocus 2â Role
Ayala Or-El
Behind the Scenes of âJeopardy!â with Mayim Bialik
Kylie Ora Lobell
More in Hollywood
Podcasts
Joan Nathan: âMy Life in Recipesâ and Pecan Lemon Torte
Debra L. Eckerling
Joel Haber: 18 Jewish Foods Podcast and Hamin Kharshuf aka Chulent
Debra L. Eckerling
More in Podcasts