Rabbi Arnold G. Fink

Arnold Fink Obituary

FINK, RABBI ARNOLD G.

On Monday, March 28, 2005 of Alexandria, VA. Beloved husband of Barbara P. Fink; father of Daniel Fink, Jonathan Fink and his wife Elizabeth and Julie Fink; step-father of Scott and Jason Palmer; brother of Toby F. Laping and her husband John; grandfather of Tanya, Rosa, Joshua and Amanda Fink. Funeral service at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA on Wednesday, March 30, at 1 p.m. Interment King David Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Beth El Hebrew Congregation or Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Attn: Office of Development, Research Building, Suite E501, 3970 Reservoir Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20057. Arrangements by JEFFERSON FUNERAL CHAPEL.

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Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 30, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Fink

15 Entries

Timothy Reid Conway

March 24, 2023

I still remember Arnold with joy. And what greater gift could he have given to any of us?

Timothy Reid Conway

March 24, 2022

Rabbi Fink's influence has extended down even to my many children and my friendships. His gentle goodness and inclusiveness will always be remembered and honored by me. He was an infinitely human and approachable man, and I will never forget some words he said to me: "Be a full participant in your life. It is a very brief sojourn that we get here."

Timothy Reid Conway

August 14, 2021

I was unable to attend Arnold's funeral, because my mother died shortly after his death, and caring for her occupied every spare moment available to me. I remember him with great fondness, and most especially how infinitely kind and human he was in dealing with other people. He made a place for me in his life and in his faith community, when I was searching for a safe harbor. Shortly before his death, he encountered me, and, detecting my mood, without even speaking silently pointed heavenward. I will remember his fundamental decency and that moment always.

Diana C. Pezzi-Kade

April 11, 2005

When Temple Beth El in Alexandria, Virginia, was undergoing a transitional period, during which time a new Rabbi was to be installed, my former husband and I were soloists in the Beth El Choir. Having led the Congregation for a number of years during the High Holidays, we were well acquainted with the liturgy and thus became Cantors. It was during this time that we met and worked with Rabbi Fink ... "Arnie", as we lovingly called him.

Our apprehension turned to pure love of the man, for he brought a warmth to the congregation and ourselves that was nothing short of incredible. Thanks to Arnie, the Beth El Congregation grew and grew and grew!

In fact, when my present husband surprised me with a trip back East for my 68th birthday, our good friend, Ted Gustin (organist at Beth El), took us to Beth El to say hello to Arnie. This was in October of 1990.

You can imagine my shock, recently, to learn from Mr. Gustin that Arnie was given the terrible news that he had an inoperable tumor in his lung. Of course we hoped against hope that he'd be able to overcome this hurdle. We prayed very hard that this good man would be spared and that his family would be also spared the anxiety and finally, the grief, of his ordeal.

To his loving family ... please know that we hold him forever in our hearts and minds as the good friend and leader he was. We grieve with you and give you all our love!

Sadly,

Diana (Beveridge) Kade

(Mrs. Richard Kade)

Bob, Claire & Rachel Grossmann

April 8, 2005

With deepest sorrow, we mourn the passing of Rabbi Fink. He was a mentor, and close family friend

Michael Peerless

March 31, 2005

For eighteen years it was my honor to be Cantorial Soloist at Beth El. While I was there, Rabbi Fink was a friend, a mentor, a teacher and spiritual advisor to me. I shall miss him deeply. What he was is part of what I have become.

Rob Sult

March 31, 2005

It is with the greatest sadness I have today learned of Rabbi Fink's death. As our Rabbi-in-Residence at Christ Church- Alexandria, he brought a spiritual perspective to our faith life that helped our parish stand out as an exceptional Episcopal christian family. A truly gifted speaker and pastor, Rabbi Fink helped us "bridge" our understanding of Judiasm and brought "life" to the Old Testament. We shall miss him very, very much. Our thougths and prayers go out to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Rhonda Goodman

March 31, 2005

Rabbi Fink was a very special person, who made everyone feel very welcome and loved. He helped me through a time when I didn't think I would make it another day. I thank him very much for being there for me when I needed someone the most.

My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the rest of his family at this time of need.

Samuel Roth

March 30, 2005

To Rabbi Fink's family and close friends -- he was my Rabbi who officiated over the double Bar Mitzvah with my brother and I -- he was a fixture at Beth El -- I will never forget the Yom Kippur service in 1973 -- learning about the Middle East and then rushing to the car to listen to the radio (no CNN then!)...his words to me at my Bar Mitzvah were very warm and moving. He will be missed!

Alvin (Ted) Gustin

March 30, 2005

So saddened by Rabbi's Fink's death. I served as his temple organist for 33 years. He was always supportive and interested in the music we did. A good friend and dynamic spiritual leader both at Beth El and Christ Church, Alexandria, where I also serve as organist (for 37 years). Our congregation loved Rabbi Fink and his great knowledge of Jewish history, religion and the liturgy. Whenever he spoke, the room was full to capacity. We will all miss him. Ted Gustin

Jim Myska

March 30, 2005

Rabbi Fink payed significant roles in both my amd my wife's lives. His loss is deeply felt.

Robyn Weber

March 30, 2005

We were sadden to hear about the passing of Rabbi Fink. He was a wonderful man! We will always remember the man who was strong for us in good times and bad.

Robyn Weber (Pearl), Felice Pearl, and Debbie Stryker

Jeffrey Clendening

March 30, 2005

Rabbi Fink was my Sponsoring Rabbi when I converted to Judaism and he sat on my Bet-Den. He will always be in my heart.

Jeffrey,

arlene blumenthal

March 30, 2005

Our family is so sad to lose such a great man. Arnold has been a part of our family for over 30 years and has been with us through some sad times and many happy occasions. We loved him and will miss him ALOT.

Arlene and Michael, Adam and Jude, Carrie and Dan, Toby and Hope

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