When I came to Buffalo fifteen years ago, I knew nothing about Buffalo, and I knew nothing about being a rabbi. If I were going to be successful, I needed a guide to show me the way.
Along came Marlene Glickman, to act as a trusted historian, respected communal leader, and more importantly, my friend. As her son Joe spoke about at her funeral, she had been part of every committee and agency in the Jewish BBC and non-Jewish world. She was an early leader at Temple Beth Am, their first female president, president of the sisterhood, the leader for decades of the music committee, and a volunteer member of the professional choir. In addition, she had helped found the Network of Religious Communities, had helped start the interfaith Passover Seder, had a hand in starting Essjay apartments, and was a central leader at Jewish Philanthropies. But despite all her accomplishments, she was willing to take me under her wing and show me the ropes. And for that I will be forever grateful.
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro visits the Israelite community and offers council. He sees the chaos unfolding in front of him, how Moses is struggling to keep up with the immense work of setting up his new community, and the lack of people to support him in the process. Jethro immediately suggests that Moses set up a governance structure to allow decisions to be made in a more efficient process. And, while he only stays a short while, Jethro’s advice is invaluable. That is what a good guide can do. To Marlene Glickman of blessed memory. thanks for serving in that role for me. May your memory always be for a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex