Remembering Rabbi Smith
With tremendous sadness Congregation Beth Israel shares the news that our beloved Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Allan Smith, passed away at the age of 79. Rabbi Smith transformed the lives of generations of young people through his work as the leader of the URJ/UAHC Youth Division. For us, he was our Rabbi and teacher.
His love for this congregation was without limit. Just a few weeks ago, he reminded Rabbi Kleinman that “Honesdale was his spiritual home.” He cared for and often asked after every individual and family in our Congregation Beth Israel community.
Within the walls of our congregation, Rabbi Smith’s legacy is apparent in all we do – the celebrations, music, services, and spirit of our congregation. Beyond the walls, he was an integral part of our lives. He was more than our rabbi. For nearly half a century, he celebrated with us, mourned with us, taught us, and learned from us.
Rabbi Smith inspired so many to be bold, creative, and compassionate. He was recognized universally as the most accomplished and admired informal Jewish educator of his generation, and we were fortunate to have had him as our rabbi.
His humor, boundless energy and his belief in the creative survival of the Jewish people propelled him and compelled us to strive to be our best selves. In this way, his memory will continue to bless each of us and our community for generations to come.
His family has asked for privacy and we will respect their wishes. We will remember Rabbi Smith at a special service in the spring.