If you ask Temple Emanu-El congregants about Rabbi Gerald Klein, they will tell you he knows everyone’s name.
In fact, neighborhood resident Klein can remember more than that: He can recall the histories of most of the families he has served. November marked the rabbi’s 50-year anniversary serving the temple. He began working with Temple Emanu-El in 1952; it was his second congregation.
Born in Pennsylvania, he attended Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and graduated in 1948 as a Reform Rabbi.
“Reform Judaism,” Klein says, “believes in all the 4,000 years of Judaism, but it doesn’t root itself in the past. It adapts and changes in order to respond to the times we live in.”
Looking back on his 50 years, Klein says “it’s hard to believe it has been that long. I’ve worked with four and five generations of congregants at Temple Emanu-El.” The most rewarding part of his career, he says, has been participating in so many people’s lives.
“I have always wanted to be accessible to my congregants, and I have been honored to be with families when they said they needed me,” he says.
Klein has retained the honorary title of emeritus, choosing to spend his time officiating at special events such as weddings, funerals and baby-namings.
“I focus on family life, and the personal lives of my congregants.”
Sharan Goldstein has known Klein for his entire tenure at the temple.
“Rabbi Klein is very much beloved,” she says. “He is the quintessential caring pastor, and he is like a family member to most of the 2,800 families in the congregation.”
The temple held a celebration for Klein recently, and more than 1,000 people attended. An exhibit of Klein’s life and career also was on display at the temple’s archives during the month of November.
“I’ve always said I was allergic to praise, but seeing your whole life parading before you is truly exciting.”
When asked about the wisdom he has gained, Klein offers this advice: “Turn the platitude, ‘Practice what you preach,’ into reality.”
