Rabbi L. Skopitz (Z"l)

When I first came to Temple Beth David, almost 30 years ago, I was impressed by its warmth, openness and informality. Over the years, I have endeavored to foster this sense of "user-friendliness", blending an egalitarian approach with adherence to traditional Conservative practice.

By promoting synagogue skills development, knowledge enhancement, and spiritual growth through continuing education, hands-on experience, and personal counseling, I hope to encourage maximum participation by all members of our Temple family.

Rabbi Laurence Skopitz

Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that I must inform everyone that our beloved Rabbi Laurence Skopitz (Z"l) died Saturday morning, December 16th (25 Kislev 5767). Rabbi Skopitz (Z"l) had a bone marrow transplant during the first week of December, but unfortunately developed a bloodstream infection that his body was unable to fight. Rabbi was a pillar of our community and a beloved Rabbi and friend.

For over 25 years Rabbi Skopitz (Z"l) was our spiritual leader, advisor and confidant. Many of you knew Rabbi as long as I did and even longer. There are numerous members who remember his installation as a Rabbi here at temple. The loss of Rabbi was not only unexpected; we are left feeling empty.

As we move through the next few days, weeks, and months many thoughts will go through all our heads. Plans are already underway to create a special memory book, members are already speaking of setting up an endowment fund in his name, and still others want to find a place to store all those wonderful memoir pieces we have that involve the Rabbi.

Please trust that the memory of our beloved Rabbi will not be lost, and that as plans come in to focus the congregation will be made well aware of them. Yes, we will need to sit down as an Executive Board and Board of Trustees to consider next steps in terms of whom our new Rabbi will be. But for the next few days and weeks our main focus will be helping our entire congregation mourn someone we truly loved as a part of our synagogue family.

Regards,

Patrick

Memorial Page by Charlie Beller

Rabbi Skopitz faithfully served the Temple Beth David congregation since 1981. He received a Bachelor's degree with honors from Toronto's York University. Prior to receiving his Masters in Hebrew Letters from HUC in Cincinnati, he spent time studying and working in Israel during the Yom Kippur War. In 2003, HUC also awarded him an Honorary Doctorate for 25 years service in the Rabbinate. In May, 2006, he was awarded a Doctor of Misistry degree from The Crozier Colgate-Rochester Divinity School. In addition, he has an MSW from SUNY Buffalo.

A certified psychotherapist, Rabbi Skopitz was also the Coordinator of Pastoral Services at the Rochester Psychiatric Center and a consultant with Jewish Family Services. He served as vice president of the Rochester Board of Rabbis.

Besides his enlightening sermons, he has written poetry and children's books. He was skilled at Hebrew and English calligraphy and manuscript illumination. In addition to composing klezmer, jazz and classical music, the Rabbi played several instruments including clarinet, saxophone and guitar. But his true love was model trains.

Rabbi was also famous for his weekly Shabbat kiddush cholent.

Click HERE to read the article published in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle about the Rabbi's Cholent

Rabbi Medical Updates:

     December 17, 2006
     December 15, 2006
     November 30, 2006
     November 17, 2006
     November 10, 2006
     October 20, 2006
     September 19, 2006
     August 23, 2006

Rabbi Skopitz BMT Poster