September 16, 2024
The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves the death of our beloved Director of Placement Emeritus Rabbi Arnold I. Sher. Rabbi Sher actively served the CCAR and each of its members with friendship and devotion for eighteen years, 1990 to 2008.
While many have been called “a rabbi’s rabbi,” and Rabbi Sher certainly was one, he was also the rabbinate’s rabbi. As Director of Placement for Reform Judaism, he committed himself to the rabbinic and personal well-being of his individual colleagues and their families. At the same time, he focused his energies and his intellect on the betterment of the rabbinate as a whole and of the congregations we serve.
Rabbi Sher brought to his position both the insights and wisdom gleaned from his years as a successful congregational rabbi and the unique skills and knowledge gained from his training as an attorney. Those gifts combined with a profound dedication to rabbis, to congregations, and to Reform Judaism enabled him to offer wise advice and much sought-after guidance. He blended care and compassion with realism and seichel (common sense), as he counseled congregations and colleagues.
Just as important, when the CCAR needed a steadying hand, a reassuring presence, and a wise mind in a time of turmoil, Rabbi Sher, at great sacrifice to himself in time and energy, chose to take on added burdens and responsibilities. As interim executive vice-president, he helped to guide the CCAR through a troubled time. For Reform rabbis, he was truly gadol bador, a towering figure of his or any generation.i
The CCAR extends its profound condolences to Rabbi Sher’s beloved wife, Serena, to their children and grandchildren, extended family and friends, and to their congregational family at Congregation B’nai Israel of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Rabbi Sher had been named rabbi emeritus. The memory of Rabbi Arnold I. Sher is a blessing to the Central Conference of American Rabbis and Reform rabbis everywhere.
Rabbi Erica Asch, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Executive Emeritus
Central Conference of American Rabbis