Thinking of Myra — A Moment in Time
As the days pass, there is not a moment when Myra’s voice and the memories she created are not deeply remembered. We were married for over 55 years before she passed away in May of 2022. I miss her every day.
I still hear and see her in my thoughts and dreams and see her in the smiles of my grandchildren and the mannerisms of my sons. I find joy in revisiting moments in time when looking at family videos and photos.
Photo by Jeremy Singer
Myra's selflessness was a beacon of light that shone brightly. Her drive and determination to help others, and her embracing of the concept of Tikun Olam—to repair the world— was at the center of her purpose. She lived to help uplift others, and through that she became the guiding hand that supported all of us. Her influence was not just in our family, but was spread wide throughout our Temple Beth El community and the further community of Boca Raton in the many ways she found to help alleviate suffering and to encourage others.
Myra led with a heart full of compassion, always putting others before herself. She was not just a community leader but a living embodiment of genuine kindness and a role model for many, especially for me. I was a better rabbi because of Myra’s influence, wise input, and her unending support for the work we did together.
Photo from Rabbi Singer’s personal family photos.
From starting The Giving Tree to being a remarkable mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, friend, leader and more, Myra wore every hat with grace and elegance. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, and was a testament to the strength of her love and care. Equally, her commitment to community outreach and local support was unparalleled, showing us all the importance of caring without boundaries or judgment.
I recently marked my 85th birthday. As I continue on, I travel with Myra's spirit in my heart and am comforted in knowing that wherever I am, she is with me. I remain busy with my daily tasks as Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth El, and in my personal hobbies. I am active in ballet and choir and I continue to enjoy my studies, writing articles and blog posts, and visiting with and hearing from friends who get in touch.
Myra’s dedication to helping others continues to be my inspiration and motivation to keep going and to stay true to that which is most important in life which is simply to bring help and comfort to others in whatever way I can.
I know there are many, many lives that have been impacted by Myra, and I take great pride in watching the many people she inspired continue her work and commitment to helping people in need. In particular, I thank all of the volunteers in The Giving Tree for their continued dedication to this project that sat deeply in Myra’s determination to make the world a better place.
Thank you all.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer