Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Beyond the Image
The motto I live by is to never, ever give up hope.
I suffered through all my years of schooling without knowing why it was so hard for me to learn. It was only when I was about to be ordained as a rabbi that my trouble was given a name: Dyslexia. With my wife, Myra, by my side, I went on to build a very rewarding career and ultimately brought my family to Boca Raton to serve as the senior rabbi and spiritual leader of Temple Beth El for almost three decades. When I retired in 2005, a new problem was diagnosed: Parkinson’s Disease.
“Never lose faith in yourself, but more important, never lose faith in others” — Merle E. Singer
Live Every Day
When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I felt lost and worried. There is no known cure. As Michael J. Fox says, “It’s the disease that keeps on taking.” I chose to fight back. To this day, I fight with exercise, singing, physical therapy, writing, creating films, and even ballet therapy.
Through videos, words and pictures you will find in these pages, I hope to offer comfort and encouragement through sharing my story and reflecting on those ideas that are most important to me.
I am not alone in this battle. Neither are you alone in the struggles you might be facing.
Never ever give up hope.
Words of comfort and hope
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The Rabbi
Spiritual Comfort and Jewish Learning
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The Filmmaker
My Movies and Memories
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The Man
Stories from Guest Contributors