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Samuel Silver Obituary
Rabbi Samuel Silver spent his life laughing, even until the very end.
"He woke up the morning that he died, laughing," his wife Elaine recalled Sunday. "And I said, 'What are you laughing about?' And he said, 'I just told myself a story.'
"He had an unbelievable sense of humor."
Silver, the founder of two synagogues in South Florida and one in Connecticut and the father of prominent civil-rights attorney Barry Silver, died during an afternoon nap Friday at age 95.
Silver founded Congregation L'Dor Va-Dor in Lake Worth 10 years ago. Eighteen years before that, he founded Temple Sinai in Delray Beach. About 50 years ago, he founded another Temple Sinai in Stamford, Conn.
A jokester and unifier of different religious faiths, Silver was also a former National Chaplain of Jewish War Veterans and an occasional newspaper columnist. He was called the "radioactive rabbi" because of his time on radio shows in Florida and Connecticut.
He was also a president of the Delray Beach Clergy Association.
Samuel Silver is survived by five sons, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren with another on the way.
His funeral is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today at Temple Sinai in Delray Beach, 2475 W. Atlantic Avenue.
Those wishing to make a donation in Silver's memory are asked to give to Congregation L'Dor Va-Dor, 7400 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth, Fla., 33467, or simply donate to their favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Silver
Lyn Winer
December 20, 2023
As my husband of 56 years and I were looking for our marriage certificate, we reminisced about Rabbi Silver and how grateful we were to have him perform our marriage in 1969 when no other Rabbi in Connecticut would. He was truly a man of love and kindness. It was such a brief time in his history but created a whole world in ours. Thank you Rabbi Silver. Lyn and Ken Winer
Daniel Freedman
May 7, 2019
Rabbi Silver performed my Bar Mitzvah and my brother's too. He was full of wit and wisdom and helped my family through a rough patch when my parents divorced. My Dad Mel Freedman and the Rabbi wrote the book "How to Enjoy this Moment" which sold quite a few copies and latter became a song in one of my Dad's Off Broadway shows! The fact that he started two more Temples after Temple Sinai in Stamford is a real testament to his drive and conviction. La Chaim and Baruch Ha Baah! We miss you.
March 2, 2013
Dear Elaine.
I was thinking back and remembering living in Connecticut and wondered about you and Rabbi Silver. That is how I came upon this page.
It has been 40 years since we have spoken. I was living in North Stamford, teaching in Greenwich. We met through Rabbi Alan Green of Cleveland, Ohio. He sent a letter of introduction to Rabbi Silver and after of year of living in Ct. I called you and you invited me to your home for dinner. We struck up a friendship and how I enjoyed conversations with the rabbi. However, I told you both never to fix me up with anyone. Well, on April 14, 1972, a young Jewish man randomly called the rabbi asking if the temple had any youth groups. Rabbi said no. Pursuing the conversation, the young man asked if the rabbi knew of any jewish girls. Knowing that he could't give out my phone number, the rabbi responded "Yes, I know one her name is Alison Twig, but you will have to look her phone number up yourself.
Well the rest is history. Al and I have been married for 40 years and still going strong.
If you are able you may contact me at [email protected]
Al and I would also like to send our condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Alison Lovett (Twig)
September 18, 2011
Rest in peace from saul siegel who,m you jhelped in 1958 to form tempel emanuel in Kendall Park New Jersey
Catherine Holczer
December 15, 2009
Rabbi Silver married the love of my life, Robert Holczer, and I on May 26, 1972, when no other Rabbi would. Bob and I had a wonderful and I would say joyous marriage for 31 years until Bob's death. It was an honor to have known Rabbi Silver. My condolences to his family. He must be sorely missed.
Maureen Ungar
August 19, 2009
My husband Bennett Ungar and I are sorry to learn of Rabbi Silver's death. Thirty-three years ago he married us at Candlewood Lake in Danbury, the only Rabbi who would perform a mixed union at that time, as my husband is Jewish and I am was brought up Methodist with a Catholic father. He made our wedding party memorable. His spirit of inclusion will be missed.
Dr. Karl Rodig
July 28, 2009
Dear Family and Friends of our beloved Rabbi Samuel Silver.
It just came to my attention of the passing of a good friend!
Rabbi Samuel was a wonderful Spirit that I have to gotten to know throughought my years in Floria from 1994-2008. He was a good friend that had inspired me and so many of us being a true follower of Jahwe and HIS people.
The joyous memories of so many joint weddings, and events we attended together will remain a testimony to his long and blessed life!
He will be greatly missed!
My prayers go out to all of his Family and friends which are many.
With cordial greetings and blessings from above
remaining yours
++Karl
Archbishop
Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ
Mary Miller
February 10, 2009
I had the honor and priveldege of being Rabbi Silver's daughter-in-law for several years back in the early 1970's. Almost forty years have passed since I listened to him speak at his Stamford, Ct temple. As I grow older, I have forgotten many people from my past. Sam sits in mind as if he were sitting across the room. Never have a met a man with a greater love of humanity. To Elaine, Lee, Barry, Josh, Noah and Daniel...thanks for my time with you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jill Gardner
December 18, 2008
Rabbi Silver did an amazing job of making my family feel comfortable as I married outside my faith. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and a way to let both families know that we would be just fine. And so far...we are! Married almost 15 years. Thanks for beautiful memories!
Doris Ober
July 17, 2008
I've thought of Rabbi Silver a thousand times and even searched for him on the Internet over these past many decades. I wanted to be in touch to tell him how important he has been in my life. Maybe he knew all along.
My sincerest condolences,
Doris Ober
Hal Ober
July 17, 2008
Dear Elaine, Barry, and all Silvers,
I just learned of Sam's passing by way of my sister Doris and Ilsa Wischnia. It has been a good 47 years since we Obers left Stamford, but I can see Sam as vividly as then and hear his laughter and impressive baritone as clearly. He was a great source of strength to us when my father died in 1961, and I'll miss him but keep him in my heart. My deep condolences to you all. He was a rabbi's rabbi.
Much love, Hal Ober
John Gonzalez
July 16, 2008
Just learned of Rabbi Sam's entry into paradise. I was on WSTC with him and Rev. Claude Peters for about five years in Stamford back in the 1960's. The Diocese of Bpt. bought Temple Sinai in Stamford in 1961. I transformed it into Our Lady of Montserrat Chapel for the Hispanics of Stamford. Our radio program was referred to as "The Priest, The Rev. and the Rabbi".(or Parson to Parson)..We had a lot of fun interviewing politicians and celebraties. Rabbi Sam attended my wedding to Rosemarie in Sandy Hook, Ct. on July 1, 1972 and gave us the same blessing prayer that was given to Mary and Joseph (The Holy Family) at their wedding. He was always a great inspiration. Rest assured of our prayers and heartfelt condolences. It was a blessing indeed to have known him and worked with him.
[email protected]"
Irv Fischer
June 8, 2008
On Dec 15 1966,Rabbi Silver made himself available to perform a marriage ceremony. He refused to take a fee.I made a donation to his Temple. The result is 41 yrs of marriage & three doctors!
Thank you for being there for us.
Sharon Leibovitz
June 5, 2008
Elaine, Barry, and the whole Silvery mispachah,
My family and I offer our deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather -- Zeda. He was a truly brilliant man whom we loved, honored, and respected for the time we had him here with us. He married my husband and I in 1987 and we joined Congregation L'Dor Va-Dor due to Rabbi Sam 10 years ago. He was an inspiration to me and my family, for his brilliance, his wit, his humor, his love of his family, his religion, his congregation. He always had something nice to say about everyone and made each of us feel very special. We loved him and miss him greatly. We will always remember him with wonderful memories and his wonderful stories and humor will be retold for years...I know that I quote many of his words almost daily. He had a love of this world and a commitment to make it a better place. I hope that we can all make the commitment with him to act on ideas and do the right thing and each to make a small difference...together we can make a real impact on making this world better for our children and future generations. Tikum Olum! We love you, Rabbi Sam
Evan Goldman
May 30, 2008
Barry - Just learned of your father's passing. What a great man who was ahead of his time. Pls. accept our condolences.
Robert Stiskin
May 29, 2008
To the Silvers-
From an old friend from the Temple Sinai days in Stamford, CT--my deepest sympathies on the loss of a great man---
Robert Stiskin
Norman Hoffman
May 28, 2008
Our condolences to Elaine and the boys. My family grew up on Nutmeg Lane with your family. We have wonderful memories of those times.
Mark Belenson
May 27, 2008
To the Silver Family:
Joan, Bryan and I are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Brightest blessings,
Mark Belenson
Richard Pacter
May 25, 2008
Mrs Silver and the entire Silver family:
I grew up in the folds of the Silver home with Leon (their oldest son) and I as classmates and friends...
Rabbi Bar Mitzvah'd me... Married us... Named our Children... and Married our Children. Our world was blessed being near Rabbi Silver. His passing is a loss to entire world, but his memory will live forever.
Our Love is with you Elaine, and all the Silver boys.
Bobette Wolesensky
May 25, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sometimes we forget that those who inspire us suffer losses too, and my thoughts are with you and your family Barry.
Jack Kurtzer
May 20, 2008
To the Silver Family,
You have my deepest condolences on the sad occasion. I wish to tell you that Rabbi Sam was the most entertaining Rabbi I ever had to privilege to meet. It was a joy to hear him at the High Holidays last year.
Joan Goldenstein
May 20, 2008
To the Silver Family,
My deepest condolences to the entire Silver family. Your loss is great as Rabbi Sam was an inspiration to us all. He has left you a legacy of sincere warmth, caring and knowledge. I knew of him from Connecticut
Sincerely,
marie zwicker
May 20, 2008
dear Barry,
so very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. i didn't know him, but knowing you and the dedicated and passionate work that you do would make one know that he must have been a wonderful and remarkable man. sincere prayers and thoughts are with you.
Gail Vanhove
May 19, 2008
To the whole family, We are all so sorry for your loss, We all loved Rabbi Samuel Silver we were with him from the beginning when we had the ground breaking ceremony of Temple Sinai and our daughter was part of the school since she was 3 years old and Rabbi Silver did her Bat Mitzvah and she wanted to say how much he will be missed and all his jokes and sayings like, "Shmerl Nar." Barry and everyone you have our deepest sympathy. We loved him so much. I found out too late we would have been at the services. Love to all!!
Sheila & Marvin Calderon
May 18, 2008
Dear Barry: We were so saddened to hear of your Father's passing. You certainly must have been very proud of him and he of you and your beautiful family. We are sorry that we never had the opportunity to meet him.
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Drew and Christine Martin
May 17, 2008
Barry, sorry for your loss.
Marc Silverstein
May 17, 2008
My deepest empathy with the Silver family. I`ve known Barry for several years, and he has always been a kind, honest, dedicated member of the community and firmly committed to the struggle for peace and social justice.
Harry Alter, Fran Pribish and Gail Sacco
May 16, 2008
My family grew up with the Silvers and we share many memories. Elaine and Sam are good friends of my parents, Minnie and Harry Alter, first in Connecticut and then in Florida. I live in Albany and recently found out that Barry has a connection with Rabbi Susan Gulag and I have been joining her to wish him well.
We are very sad to hear about Rabbi Sam and feel blessed to have known him. He had such inner joy and provided comfort to many. We know that he will live in your hearts.
May G-d comfort all of you among the mourners of Zion.
Gary Wofsey
May 15, 2008
As a young child, I attended Temple Sinai in Stamford CT. Rabbi Silver was such an incredible man. People called him "Marrying Sam" because he was happy to marry jews to gentiles, at a time when most were not willing. I'll always remember his kindness and his amazing stories. Thank you, Rabbi.
Rich Brass
May 15, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Silver family. Rabbi Sam was a wonderful man, and he will be missed, but we will all be sustained by his stories and gift of passing us the Jewish traditions. Condolences to Elaine, Rabbi Barry, and the entire Silver family.
MINISTER:JIM DAVIS
May 14, 2008
TO:ATTY BARRY SILVER AND FAMILY .I OFFER MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS.A GREAT SOLDIER HAVE LEFT THIS DIMENSION.BUT HIS GREATNESS REMAINS IN YOU. AND BARRY THANKYOU FOR EVERTHING AND CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT LIKE YOUR FARTHER DID . GOD BLESS
Maria Daszkal
May 14, 2008
To Atty. Barry Silver and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this period of grief. Please accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of your father, Rabbi Silver. As he has shared his positive energy and goodness with everyone, you are also an embodiment of his spirit and light.
Many Blessings,
David and Maria Daszkal and family
Sandra & Ron Kaplan
May 13, 2008
There is a statement that goes,"To Know Him, Is to Love Him - He Is One In A Million". And all of us have been Blessed to have know Rabbi Silver.
Our Heartfelt Sympathy to Dear Elaine, Rabbi Barry and the Silver Family.
Rabbi Sam will always shine down on us with his many stories.
Fondly, Sandra & Ron Kaplan
Anastazia Huryan
May 13, 2008
I had the pleasure of hearing the Rabbi's stories over some years. He was truly a gift. I send my thoughts out to Barry and Elaine and to the Congregation of L'Dor Va-Dor.
Felice Schonberg
May 12, 2008
Rabbi Silver converted my 2 nephews wives and married one of them after the conversion and I am so grateful that he did this mitzvah for us. These girls now try hard to maintain Jewish homes for their husbands. Mrs. Silver joined the Rabbi on the beach for my nephew's wedding 6 years ago at Loggerhead Beach..it was for Michael and DawnMarie Fineman. Wonderful memories..a very delightful and charismatic man. Condolences to the family for their tragic loss.
Sincerely, Felice Schonberg
Robert Reiland
May 12, 2008
My favorite "Rav." He endorsed my book. I first heard of him while listening to my radio one Sunday morning in the Bahamas on his show with the late Rev. John Mangrum. They WERE a pair !
Elaine and Barry have my deepest sympathy, but with joy at having been a part of the life of one of God's Finest.
Gordon Keith Jennings
May 12, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Rabbi Sam Silver a couple of times and I found him to be a very exceptional person and clearly saw the reason why Rabbi Barry Silver is such an exceptional personality. I remember my father's passing and knowing he was ready to be with the Lord did not still my tears. You have my deepest and sincere condolences. I shall remember you in my prayers. God bless and keep you and yours always.
Beverlee and Walter Schiff
May 12, 2008
Rabbi Silver was an inspiration to all of us in Stamford, Conn. He introduced us to Temple Sinai and a committment to participation in Temple life which continues to this day. We will miss his keen sense of humor.
zena plous
May 12, 2008
I enjoyed reading the interesting stories of Rabbi Silver's activities in the WPB area. He was a fine man and I am sure that your memories of him will bring you comfort.
David, Abby & Jaclyn Karasik
May 11, 2008
We are so very Thankful for Rabbi Sam. His sermons were fascinating.
He had a unique ability to inspire us
to reach further in becoming better
people. He touched many not through big complicated words, but with simple heartfelt stories. We often felt lighter, as we were "lifted"
with his beautiful inspirational sermons. We will always remember
Rabbi Sam and how he touched our
hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are
with his loving family.
Sincerely,
David, Abby & Jaclyn Karasik
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