Rabbi Shor - December 1998

Excerts from the Eulogy delivered by Rabbi Joseph Black on October 21, 1998

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, October 21^st, our congregation and community bid farewell to our beloved Rabbi Emeritus, David Shor. What follows are excerpts of the eulogy I delivered at his funeral. Future issues of our bulletin will also be dedicated to his memory.

Many of you have asked about ways to remember Rabbi Shor. His family has requested that donations in his memory be directed to the Rabbi David and Betty Shor Youth Scholarship Fund. I can think of no greater tribute. This fund was originally established in memory of Bettye Shor for the purpose of sending our youth to summer camp and SWFTY activities. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and provide our youth with opportunites to attend summer camp and regional youth conclaves. Rabbi Shor felt strongly about the importance of Jewish Camping and youth groups. A contribution to this fund will help to ensure that our children will experience life-changing summers at camp and conclaves with their peers.

Rabbi David Shor was a unique man - he was a great man. His was a greatness that was measured as much by his actions as by his humanity - in the way that he greeted his fellow man and woman; in the importance he placed in his understanding of his role in the unfolding of God's creation on earth.

He was a humble man. He was a happy man. He was a brilliant teacher, caring pastor, visionary leader, strong voice for moral authority, and most of all, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother uncle, and cousin. David Shor loved the fact that as a Rabbi he could make a difference in the community in which he lived for 50 years and loved from the bottom of his soul.

To his congregation, Rabbi David Shor was a model of integrity, compassion, erudition, involvement and love. He was an incredible teacher. To this very day, people still speak with love and admiration of his wonderful Bible classes. Every Monday night, from 8-10 he would teach. People would come to hear him lecture from all over the community - Jew and Gentile - Reform, Conservative, orthodox - it didn't matter -he was an Ish - Sefer - a man of the book. Two years ago we honored Rabbi Shor by naming our library in his honor. There could be no better tribute to such a learned man.

Rabbi Shor knew the importance of community involvement. He was Chaplain on Call at Kirkland for many years - officiating at many formal ceremonies and occasions. Unfortunately, there were times when he was called upon to provide support during disasters and plane crashes that occurred as well. During the fifty years that he lived in this community, he served on many foundations and boards- too numerous to mention. He was close with many Governors of this state and appointed to many special commissions. He was a voice for conscience in the community - even when his views were not popular. David's impact on the community can be measured in the love and admiration that he inspired in others.

When Rabbi Paul Citrin came to Albuquerque in 1978, Rabbi Shor embraced him like a son. When I arrived a little over two years ago he took me in as well. There were many times when I sat in his library seeking his advice and council. He was an incredibly supportive mentor and teacher to both Rabbi Citrin and me. We are betters Rabbis for having known and worked with him.

There is no better testimony to Rabbi David Shor - his vision, integrity, humility and values than his own words. The following was written in 1956 in response to a letter from a 5th grade student at Monte Vista Elementary school. The student wrote the Rabbi a letter - asking for his definition of success and suggestions for ways to become a better citizen. In response, David wrote:

"If success is the satisfactory completion of a task, then, I have never been successful, for I have never been thoroughly satisfied with anything I have ever done ... and once one task is completed, there are always many more waiting to be accomplished. If success is, as many believe, the achievement of wealth or position or power, certainly I have not been successful. There is however one way in which I feel I have been successful ... to my mind success is the finding of satisfaction and joy in one's work. it is being in love with the task that one has chosen to do.

My own work as a Rabbi involves preaching and teaching and being helpful to the members of our community. Its purpose is to help people to understand and practice the great ideals of our religion, the love of God and the love of our fellow men. All of us, I believe, can find true success in the pursuit of these ideals. Some 25 centuries ago the prophet Micah gave a wonderful answer to your questions about success and character development when he said "it hath been told thee O man what is good...to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."

David Shor was a man who lived his words to the fullest. He walked humbly with his God. In Jewish tradition, we are taught, there is a blessing for everything. The following is the blessing one says when one has found a great teacher:

Barukh Ahtah Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha-Olam, She Chalak me-choch-ma-to lee-rae-av. We Praise You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has given of Your wisdom to those who Revere You.

Zekher Tsaddik Livracha - May the Memory of Rabbi David Shor be for a blessing. AMEN.

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