Obituaries Obituaries are updated and archived on thejewishnews.com Rabbi, Zionist And Playwright Rabbi Jason Miller Special to the Jewish News R abbi Efry Spectre led Adat Shalom Synagogue for 22 years, and upon moving to New York City, took on the title of rabbi emeritus of the Farmington Hills congregation. He died in his Manhattan apart- ment on Jan. 18 from compli- cations of diabetes. He was 75. Beginning in 1978, under Rabbi Spectre's leadership, Adat Shalom became one of the leading congregations in the Conservative movement and a strong supporter of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York and the Masorti movement in Israel. Rabbi Efry Rabbi Spectre was an unwavering Zionist, leading many congregational missions to Israel among the countless trips he took there. He vigorously rallied the community for the cause of freedom for Soviet Jewry. Among his many honors are an honor- ary doctorate from JTS and the chairman- ship of the Rabbinic Cabinet of Israel Bonds Conference in Jerusalem. Born and educated in Buffalo, N.Y., he graduated Columbia University in New York City. He was ordained by JTS in 1963 and served as associate rabbi of Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia. In 1971, he found- ed Nes Ami Penn Valley Congregation. He was well known for the many plays he wrote and translated into Hebrew, as well as the original musical programs he created for the Conservative movement's Camp Ramah. His works were published by Hadassah, shown on TV and officially commended by the Israeli government. In Detroit, he was a trusted spokesman for Jewish concerns, serving on numer- ous boards including those of the Jewish National Fund, Hillel Day School and the Midrasha College of Jewish Education. Adat Shalom past president Irwin Alterman remembers when the search committee first interviewed Rabbi Spectre. "He was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever met on Jewish law. He had a reputation of applying Jewish law in a rigid manner; however, during my presidency, I became aware of some delicate ethical issues in which he exhibited extreme compassion. There was unanimous agreement that he excelled in comfort- ing families in times of grave illness and mourning." Rabbi Daniel Nevins, now dean of the Rabbinical School at JTS, was 28 when he came to work alongside Spectre Rabbi Spectre as assistant rabbi. "I knew already that he was a man of prodigious talents. He came to Adat Shalom at a time of deep crisis and, together with a group of lay leaders and gifted professionals, he helped the synagogue become a vibrant Jewish center. "He was extremely perceptive, and few rabbis could match his passion and eloquence, whether at a funeral or in a ser- mon. He encouraged me to be independent on the pulpit and in the classroom, and he supported my rabbinic development?' Sharon Hart, a past president of Adat Shalom and close friend described Rabbi Spectre as "one of the most creative and talented people. He was so knowledgeable in the rabbinic world, but also in music and theater. During the two years I served as president, he promoted exceptional Jewish education. His instincts and cred- ibility in the area of adult Jewish program- ming have served as an influence in my life." Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz became Rabbi Spectre's colleague at Adat Shalom fol- lowing a merger with Congregation Beth QUALITY KOSHER CATERING INC COMPLETE CARRY-OUT AND FULL SERVICE CATERING FOR SHIVA MEALS Achim of Southfield. He remembers Rabbi Spectre "rising to the highest level of compassion for congregants who were about to merge their identity with another institution and give up the name of their synagogue. He saw to it that I was treated as an equal partner?' Rabbi Spectre changed West Bloomfield resident Bill Graham's life. "He taught me what is important in life Graham said. "He loved Israel; and when I would return from Israel, he would say, `Welcome from home:" In his closing salutation in letters and e-mail messages, Rabbi Spectre often jokingly referred to himself as "the Chief Rabbi of Farmington Hills?' He was fond of telling witty jokes, making puns and danc- ing on Simchat Torah. During his more than two-decade tenure at Adat Shalom, Rabbi Spectre played a pivotal role in sev- eral young people from the congregation becoming rabbis. Mentoring continued into retirement when he was hired as a lecturer at JTS to teach rabbinical students the art of homiletics — sermon delivery. Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice- president of the International Rabbinical Assembly noted, "Throughout the length of his career, Rabbi Spectre was known for his pastoral skills. After retiring to New York, he continued to be active in the rab- binate serving as an interim rabbi for con- gregations and playing a productive role in interfaith activities?' Services for Rabbi Efry Spectre were held Jan. 20 at Eretz HaChaim Cemetery in Bet Shemesh, Israel. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Rabbi Philip and Barbara Spectre, and his sister, Ruth Spectre. He is also remembered by his adoring nieces and nephews. ❑ Rabbi Jason Miller, raised at Adat Shalom, regards Rabbi Efry Spectre as one of his most influential teachers and confidants. Rabbi Spectre officiated at his bar mitzvah and wed- ding and helped prepare him for the rabbinate. • Dessert Trays • Glatt Kosher at a competitive price! Available any time and anywhere you need us! DR. SHELDON EICHLER, 78, of Sarasota, Fla., died Jan. 11, 2010. Prior to retirement, he was a dentist in Westland for 20 years. Dr. Eichler is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Ricki and Rick Rogow, Romy and Warren Erickson; son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Marta Eichler; grandchildren, Darren Rogow, Sarah Rogow, Zachary Rogow, Matthew, Shanti and Ishan Eichler; brother, Dr. Martin Eichler of Georgia; nieces and nephew, Suzanne, Marc and Dena; caregiver, Lisa Behn. Interment at Hebrew Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 30200 Telegraph Road, Suite 105, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. FAY FREEDLAND, 93, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 13, 2010. She was a member of Adat Shalom Synagogue and B'nai B'rith. Mrs. Freedland is survived by her sons and Freedland daughters-in-law, Dr. Ronald and Barbara Stewart of Bloomfield Hills, Dr. Daniel and Sherry Stewart of Bloomfield Hills; daughter and son-in- MONUMENT CENTER INC. "Same Location 80 Years" LUNCH OR DINNER • Meat, Dairy or Lactose free BEVERLY SILVER BECKERMAN, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 17, 2010. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Steven and Beth Silver of West Bloomfield, Howard Silver of Oak Park, Calif., Charles Silver of West Bloomfield; brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvin and Frances Glaser of Bloomfield Hills, Bernard and Irma Glaser of West Bloomfield; sister, Gloria Glaser of Southfield; grandchildren, Michael and Marisa Silver. Mrs. Beckerman was the beloved wife of the late Sidney Silver and the late Oscar Beckerman. Interment at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning CEMETERY INSTALLATION ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN Call 248-3524758 Call 248-542-8266 DELIVERY AVAILABLE www.qualitykosher.com J E-mail - infogqualitykosher.com 661 E. 8 MILE ROAD FERNDALE 1 1/2 blocks East of Woodward 1562640 58 January 21 . 2010 JN Obituaries 1556560