Rabbi Mark S. Shapiro

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Mark Shapiro Obituary

Rabbi Mark S. Shapiro, 85, died peacefully after suffering from Parkinson's Disease for the past six years. Mark served as beloved rabbi of Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE) from 1962-2000, and as rabbi emeritus for the remainder of his life. He was an adored mentor, teacher and spiritual leader to many, and was particularly proud of his dozens of students who later became Jewish professionals. Mark was a lifelong White Sox fan, a season ticket holder for several years, and his special affinity for the South Siders was well known to his community. He grew up in the South Shore of Chicago, attended Hyde Park High School, University of Chicago and was ordained from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1959. He and his beloved wife Hanna (nee Raunheim) shared a longtime love for the State of Israel and traveled there many times during their life together. He was also devoted to social justice, and proudly marched with other religious leaders in Selma, Alabama with Dr. King in 1965. Loving father of Stephen (Rachel) Shapiro, Eliot (Ellyn) Shapiro and David Shapiro. Proud grandfather of Natalie, Noah and Rose. Cherished brother of Benjamin (Barbara) Shapiro. Treasured uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the service at the congregation and the interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to three organizations that meant a great deal to Rabbi Shapiro over the years: Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, 1201 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015, www.bjbe.org; Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute, 1121 Lake Cook Road, Suite D, Deerfield, IL 60015, https://osrui.org/give/; or Yad LaKashish-Lifeline for the Old in Jerusalem P.O. Box 494, Englewood, NJ 07631, https://donation.lifeline.org.il/. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit Chicago Jewish Funerals at www.cjfinfo.com. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Shapiro

11 Entries

Bruce Braverman

December 8, 2020

There is so much to say about Rabbi Shapiro - which I am sure has been repeated many times already. My family was part of the founding members of BJBE and Rabbi Shapiro always made me so proud to be part of the congregation. He was such a great human being that always made me feel connected to Judaism and created such a level of comfort during any kind of service. He raised the bar so high for what it meant to be a Rabbi. He will be missed by so many people. Besides being a Bar Mitzvah and Confirmed by Rabbi Shapiro, I feel honored that he was able to name all 4 of my children - my most sincere condolences to the entire Shapiro family. I will always have these great memories.

Maureen Weiner Kaufman

October 9, 2020

I knew Mark Shapiro and Hannah before they were married. Hannah was my counselor when I was a camper at Union Institute. My husband Steve Kaufman and I were married at B’nai Jehoshua in Chicago. We were the last couple to get married there. Rabbi Shapiro married us. Rabbi Shapiro was a blessing to all of us who had the good fortune to know him.

ralph garber

September 15, 2020

My grandfather, Alois Steiner, was a founder of Temple Bnai Jehoshua. My parents were members as well as myself. As a teenager I went to camp in Oconomowoc Wis., where I first met Mark Shapiro. He was 5 years older than me and was preparing to be a rabbi. I was thinking about being a rabbi, so I visited Mark in Cincinatti at the Hebrew Union College. With discussions with Mark, I decided it was not for me. In 1968 Mark performed as rabbi at my wedding in Chicago. n 1975 my wife. Joyce, passed away and Mark officiated at the funeral. So, one might say that Mark has been an important participant, and close friend in my life. Bless his family, and to Mark, I will miss you. Your long friend, Ralph

Ann Lantolf

September 7, 2020

Rabbi Shapiro was beloved by the 6th grade teachers(Ann Lantolf, Mary Conrad, Bill Kasper and Carol Pihl from OLPH School in Glenview for the many Seder celebrations he led for the sixth grade students over the period of many years. It was a celebration that everyone involved looked forward to each year. May he rest in peace. Ann Lantolf

Andi & Irv Shainberg

September 2, 2020

To the Shapiro family:

My family and I joined BJBE in 1978 when our twins were 2 years
old, thus bypassing the "waiting list". We loved Rabbi Shapiro and
looked forward to sharing so many wonderful years as members
of BJBE and loved our Chararah experiences,, We are proud owners
of the book of sermons put together by your family and I will now
treasure that book "Close Your Books" even more than ever before.
I am sorry that covid-19 prevented a real funeral as we would have
liked seeing all of you in person to share our condolences instead
of watching the funeral on line. We know that we have so many
beautiful memories of times shared with Rabbi Shapiro and that
each of you have a wonderful collection of special memories of
such an outstanding man and we will all treasure our memories
as he will live in our heats forever.

Andi & Irv Shainberg and Steve, Stuart & Adam
[email protected]

Shirley and Bennet Zager

August 31, 2020

Rabbi Shapiro was the reason we joined BJBE many years ago.
We had some wonderful years as members, sent our daughter to religious school at BJBE and made some life-long friends. We always found Rabbi Shapiro to be caring, engaged and kind. May his memory be for a blessing.

The Miller Family

August 30, 2020

The finest Man we have ever known. My family loved talking White Sox with our Rabbi. To hear of his passing was so fitting. He wanted us to know. Every significant moment in our life was led by our Rabbi. Your wisdom and love will be with us forever. You are all in our prayers

David Singer

August 30, 2020

Rabbi Shapiro not only helped me reconnect with my faith but also provided me with a friendly and welcoming shul to do so in BJBE. Whenever he said "Close your books", you knew you were in for an aural and insightful treat in the form of a sermon. In my first year in the high holy day choir, I had the pleasure of hearing his final days of awe sermon not once but twice and it was even more poignant the second time I heard it.

Thank you for introducing me to the searchers groups, the aliyahs you gave me early on in my membership, and most importantly, providing me with a spiritual home. Z'L

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

David Singer

Sent Flowers

Serita Levin

August 28, 2020

Have known Mark from time we met through CFTY he was family Rabbi when we joined BJBE. He was a wonderful kind understanding person. My condolences go to Hannah and sons and Grandchildren.

Deanna jacobson

August 28, 2020

Rabbi Shapiro had a gift that allowed him to relate with people of all ages. He treated all the students, down to the preschoolers, with a respect that allowed us to connect to Judaism where ever we were. His mix of wisdom and approachability encouraged so many of us to embrace our religion by allowing us to question and have honest conversations. I am so grateful that he and Stephen put together his sermons into Close Your Book so that I can share them with my kids and one day, grandkids. A lot of wisdom got captured in those pages. His memory is already a blessing.

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