Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves deeply the death yesterday of our beloved Past President, Rabbi Peter S. Knobel. Baruch dayan ha-emet.

Rabbi Knobel was an exemplar of our rabbinate. Scholar and Zionist, pastor and prophetic voice, Peter Knobel was as devoted to interfaith relations as he was to meaningful worship.

Answering the call to the CCAR presidency on short notice at a time of transition, he guided our Conference with skill and sensitivity. Partnering with a new Chief Executive, his leadership was critical in the process of building the robust CCAR we celebrate today.

Rabbi Knobel’s service to our conference spanned decades before and beyond his service as President. He was central to the development of Mishkan T’filah, our Reform Siddur. He was a frequent, highly-valued CCAR Press author, including Mishkan Moeid and Navigating the Journey. At the time of his death, he was serving as a co-chair of the Taskforce on Retiree-Successor Relations.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis extends deepest condolences to Elaine Knobel, to their sons and grandchildren, and to all of the family, as well as to the family of Beth Emeth, the Free Synagogue, in Evanston, Illinois, and to all of the congregational families Rabbi Knobel served as interim rabbi.

Zecher Tzadik Livrachah. The memory of the righteous is a blessing.

Rabbi Ronald Segal

President

Rabbi Hara E. Person

Chief Executive

Rabbi Steven A. Fox

Chief Executive Emeritus

Central Conference of American Rabbis