Rabbi Peter S. Knobel

I can attest to the influence Rabbi Knobel had on me to take Judaism very seriously and not only as a cultural appendage when I was a teenager in New London in the 70s, and our family was affiliated with Temple Emanuel. I became Orthodox some 10 years later after college, and it was due in no small measure to my association with Rabbi Knobel. In fact I guess I could attribute my opposition to religious inertia in my own life to his influence. And yes, I too babysat for Jeremy and Seth as...

Peter was our family's rabbi for over 20 years. My son Sam described him in one word - he said "Rabbi Knobel was a legend". That he was, but he was also an incredible mensch, teacher and an inspiration - professionally and personally. He was my teacher for many years as I spent Friday mornings studying Talmud with Peter and a small group of dedicated learners. Peter was the class. His insights, knowledge, anecdotes and humor brought the Talmud to life and enriched everyone in the class. I...

I had the good fortune to know Rabbi Knobel and though our paths did not cross often, I derived great comfort knowing a person of his character and spirit was out in the world, and while his physical being is gone, his spirit and teachings continue. My thoughts go out to his family. He will be missed.

We will always think of Peter playing Zim Zam in our back yard with our children. A good friend. Anne

On behalf of Hamilton College's Class of 1964, of which Peter was a much respected member, I would add our sadness at his passing.
Richard Pfau, Class President

During Peter's brief time at TIOH i did go out of my way to exchange thoughts on the Parsha's of the day. Some his answers were quite sweet how he let me know the deeper and often not talked about events that took place. Peter was always very welcoming, sincere and did have good answers to my questions. I also hand a very sweet talk with Elaine and did enjoy hearing some little personal things about Peter. There was not enough time to and that is the sad thing for me.. I know more would...

My sister Debby called last night to tell me of Peter's passing. I remember Elaine & Peter's kindness when I attended Connecticut College in the late 1970s and babysat for Seth & Jeremy, and, over the years, reconnecting sporadically when visiting Chicago, then getting to reconnect with both Peter & Elaine on Facebook. Mom loved and respected Peter too, and she was a tough audience when it came to All Things Rabbinic. Although I hadn't spoken to him for years, knowing he was just down the...