Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, the founder of the Ger Dynasty, the Polish Hassidic spiritual practice, is part of my legacy. I am a direct descendant of Rabbi Morgenstern, perhaps the stepping stone of my Rabbinical path. 

Morgenstern once said, “There is nothing more complete than a broken heart,” and how true that remains. Through the cracks of a heart becomes our platform to broaden our wisdom, personal growth, and revere in life’s imperfections. When faced with hardship, our broken pieces become our most valued assets as they resemble our strength and mobility to repair the wholeness of life’s imperfections. And with that, May comes as a reminder to treasure the broken pieces as they ultimately become the holiest gift, giving us the strength to thrive and strive.

As we all know too well, the days are lengthy, yet the years blink by. And so, a year has come and gone since the loss of Myra, and while many could look back with sadness, the rearview mirror reflects much more.  

In the past twelve months, reconnection with friends and family to establish new connections through various support groups has been the uprooting of healing a broken heart while fostering hope through writing. Menachem Mendel Morgenstern avidly proposed feeling strength in sorrow, rising when feeling defeated, and taking pleasure in the gifts you still have and can create.

When reflecting, being one of the honorary co-chairs of the 2023 Beth El Bash was a remarkable tribute and a blessed way to close out the past year while instilling hope and optimism in my daily endeavors.  

From heartfelt events where warmth and welcome were paramount, from specialized Shabbat services, the Brotherhood Parkinson’s mini golf event, and most recently, the Brotherhood and Beth El Teens softball tournament reflected a beautiful commingling of different generations as one.

Our shvira, Hebrew for brokenness, enriches us with greater hope and strength as we become a more complete version of ourselves. While we have all faced hardship, we must gratefully acknowledge the joyous moments that fulfill our lives. As a Rabbi, finding ways to bond and connect communities and people is but a joy; however, this past year, the gifts of connection cascaded my way from temple members, friends, family, my work associates, and notably, through our temple’s Brotherhood.

While the loss of Myra could have closed me, it encouraged a continuance to shine and unite as she would want. As past writings have affirmed, our challenges become opportunities to prosper above all else in this miraculous trajectory from appreciating life’s imperfections.

To close on this piece, a special note to my family:

I am lovingly grateful to each of you for holding me up metaphorically and physically this past year. I remain proud of you and am honored by the men and women you have become. Together, you help keep Myra’s spirit alive and within us all, and for that, I remain filled with love.