Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove

This week I received word of the sad passing of Dr. David Steinberg, son of my predecessor (thrice removed) Rabbi Milton Steinberg?z"l. A scholar of East Asian Studies and past president of Long Island University, Dr. Steinberg lived a life of distinction. We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Joan, his sons Noah and Jonah, and the entire family.?

I will always remember how, upon arriving at Park Avenue Synagogue, David reached out to me – taking me to lunch and reminiscing about his father’s tenure of leadership. He regaled me with stories about our community’s illustrious past, and shared quiet (and painful) memories, including his recollection of his father’s untimely passing in 1950 just two weeks before his bar mitzvah. I will never forget how David blessed me at my installation, charging me to lead our community as his father had. It was by no means a given that the son of one of my predecessors would receive me as warmly as did David, and I will forever be grateful for his graciousness of spirit over the years.?

Our Torah reading, T’tzavveh, opens with a description of the Ner Tamid, the eternal light that adorned the tabernacle of old and all Jewish houses of prayer ever since. Finite and indeterminate as the duration of our lives may be, we are nevertheless entrusted to pass down the light of our people from generation to generation. May we, the recipients of the blessings of those who came before us, keep the flame of our people kindled, and may the memory of Dr. David Steinberg be for a blessing.?

– Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove