A piece by my assistant, Deb Gudema, on her role.
In 2019, our temple’s Executive Director invited me to meet Rabbi Merle E. Singer and his beloved wife, Myra, of blessed memory. That first meeting opened the door to a role that remains one of the deepest honors of my life.
Our conversation unfolded with an ease that surprised both of us. We found shared threads in our early years despite the span of time between our generations. We spoke about my adoption, his familiarity with the topic, our challenges with reading as children, and the ways we found to navigate academics with a learning disability. We also discovered a shared passion for Torah study and a steady commitment to hope and purposeful writing. Those early exchanges shaped the beginnings of my rabbinical support role.
Our meetings soon formed a rhythm. Three mornings each week are devoted to reflection, study, and writing. Rabbi and I explore the weekly Torah portion, revisit his earlier sermons to see how they speak to our world today, and we work together to bring his reflections, teachings, and life stories onto the page. Many conversations move into memories from his decades in the rabbinate or into articles shaped by his ongoing journey with Parkinson’s Disease. His words hold a remarkable depth, and over time we have gathered many of his teachings into quotes that offer encouragement to all who read them. Rabbi stands as the one who encouraged me to continue my studies and pursue a doctorate in education, a gift of confidence that changed the path of my life.
My involvement with Rabbi inspired me to join the American Parkinson Disease Association so I could better understand the experiences of those living with PD. While I do not claim expertise, the APDA has helped me gain insight and broaden my compassion for Rabbi and the PD community.
In addition to APDA events, I have witnessed how choir and dance are powerful sources of strength for Rabbi. While peaking aloud may be hard for him, familiar melody, such as composition from choir class, allows his voice to rise with clarity and warmth. Singing beside him has become one of the joys of this journey. When a song plays that we both love, we join our voices, and those moments remind me how deeply the human spirit can be heard. Rabbi often says our time together mirrors a modern version of Tuesdays with Morrie. On some days, I help him craft sermons or an article. On other days, I become the student as he shares insights shaped by a lifetime of wisdom.
Serving in this role has been a profound privilege. My gratitude extends to all who placed their trust in me and who continue to support this meaningful partnership.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle 