Rabbi Karl Richter

RICHTER, Rabbi Dr. Karl, 94, of Tampa, died Sunday, September 25, 2005, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Rabbi Richter was born and grew up in Stuttgart, Germany. He received his higher education at the University and Jewish Theological Seminary of Breslau. He was ordained in 1935 and served two major congregations in Germany until the destruction of his temple in Mannheim during the infamous "Kristallnacht" in November, 1938. He fled Germany the following May along with his wife and daughter. Once in the United States, he served congregations in Springfield, Mo., Sioux Falls, S.D., and eventually held the pulpit of Sinai Temple in Michigan City, Ind., for 26 years. In 1960, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion. Upon his retirement in 1976, the congregation elected him Rabbi Emeritus. Besides his rabbinic functions and extended community service, Rabbi Richter spoke German, French, English, Latin, Greek and Heb rew. He taught philosophy, psychology, history and education. He served as a chaplain in prisons and military hospitals and installations. During his retirement years he relocated to Sarasota and taught in four local congregations. He came to Tampa in 1991 and has served Congregation Schaarai Zedek as their beloved auxiliary rabbi. In 1998, he returned to Mannheim, Germany, and was honored in his former synagogue on the 60th anniversary of Kristallnacht. He served as a lecturer, writer, translator and board member to religious and communal applications too numerous to list. He was a founding member, president and honoree of the National Association of Retired Reform Rabbis. He was an outstanding orator with a fantastic wit. He was an example of grace and dignity through life and death. He was a gentle force who touched us all. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lina Ruth. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David and Rudina Richter of Valrico; daughter, Esther Blumenfeld of Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren, Joshua Blumenfeld, Samara and Nathaniel Scheckler, and Ari Richter; sister, Ruth Fox of Buffalo, N.Y.; along with a niece and three nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. Rabbi Richard Birnholz will officiate. Interment will follow at Schaarai Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rabbi Karl and Ruth Richter Holocaust Remembrance and Education Fund, c/o History, Heritage & Hope Fund, 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.