Tuesdays with Rabbi Merle Singer

by Debi Gudema

In late 2019, I was honored by our temple’s Executive Director to meet with Rabbi Merle Singer and his wife Myra, of blessed memory, to embark on a rabbinical support role.

Within moments, we shared everyday experiences from our youth despite our age difference. We spoke of my adoption story, his experience on the subject, our similar childhood reading challenges and coping in academics with a learning disability. We spoke to our shared love of the Torah and our passion for writing and maintaining hopeful optimism. From there, my role as his rabbinical assistant was born.

photo by Debi Gudema

From that day on, we met, and still do, three times a week for a few hours to discuss topics from current Torah portions, to review older sermons and their relevancy today, to help Rabbi disseminate his words to print both about his life experiences in the rabbinate to his challenges and triumphs with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, I spend ample time working on his files and ensuring he maintains connections and outreach with his friends and temple members. His mind and writings share many words of wisdom, which we have cataloged over time into quotes to offer hope and inspiration. With his words of hope, Rabbi remains my greatest inspiration for he encouraged me to pursue a doctorate degree in education to buildup on my love of studying, writing and learning.

As I became more involved in working for Rabbi, I joined the American Parkinson’s Disease Association to learn more about PD and, most of all, better support Rabbi. While I stand as no pro on the neurological understanding of PD, being part of the APDA helped me gain greater compassion for those living with the disease and how best to support them and the cause.

While I am still learning about PD, I will note that music and dance have been excellent outlets for Rabbi, and I know he appreciates those who help him in that arena. He is an active participant in a wonderful Dance for PD ballet program here in Boca Raton called BBT4PD (Boca Ballet Theatre for Parkinson’s disease).

The Boca Ballet Theatre for Parkinson’s Disease

While speaking aloud may be hard for Rabbi, he can sing a ballad with such clarity. That is the power of choir. 

If a song is on that we both enjoy, we’ll sing together…and those very visits that capture the heart. As Rabbi and I stated, we feel like the newer version of Tuesdays with Morrie. For some days, I help the Rabbi compose a sermon or an article and other days, I’m his student, learning from his brilliance and wisdom. 

To be his rabbinical assistant has been my most incredible honor. I sincerely thank those who gave me this wonderful role.

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