To the Family of Rabbi Harold Silver:

We are saddened to hear of Rabbi Silver’s passing. There are few people who have had such a profound impact on youth. On March 2, 2017, NEED held its 54th Annual Scholarship Dinner. The prestigious Rabbi Harold Silver Scholarship was awarded to a brilliant young woman who will attend Duquesne University this fall and major in Pharmacy. Because of Rabbi Silver’s early and strong advocacy, NEED has sent over 30,000 aspiring students to college and the numbers continue to rise. The lives he helped to change and the impact on communities across this country are immeasurable. We thank you for sharing Rabbi Silver with us. On behalf of NEED, our Board of Directors, the staff and the children we serve, please know that we pray with you and share in your grief.

In humble memory,

Marcia M. Sturdivant Ph.D.
President and CEO

My heartfelt sympathy to Jenny and her family. You may not remember me...we were friends/classmates at Lincoln School and/or Jefferson Jr High. I remember you lived at the end of Beverly Rd and I was a few blocks away on Parker Dr. I thought of your Dad yesterday when I was reading about a lunchtime guest speaker, Rabbi Shmuel Weinstein, coming to Duquesne University where I work. I googled your Dad's name and was sad to see his obituary pop up. What a wonderful long life he had and how he touched so many lives. Please know I'm thinking of you and your family. My heart knows your sorrow and I pray that happy memories of your Dad will get you through this difficult time.

Heart felt sympathy with warm and loving thoughts

In 1972 Rabbi Silver accepted an invitation from my Ethnic Studies Class to address the students of the social studies department at Weaver High School. He spoke of Jewish demographics and population before and after WWII. Rabbi Silver brought his rich culture and humanity to a very serious topic. No one present could ever forget it. I am eternally grateful for his appearance among us and his presentation.
My sincere condolences to the Silver family, Charlotte Fasi

Dear Mrs Silver and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband and father. May his memory be of a blessing.

Regards,
Nancy and George

I had the opportunity more than once to visit the synagogue with my Sixth grade class from St. Brigid School. Rabbi Silver would give the class a review of what takes place at a service, show us the beautiful torahs etc. and then takes us to his office to show the children his personal artifacts. The children would always write thank you cards and we would always receive a special letter back from him. He was a very kind and welcoming man.

My deepest sympathy to Ruth Lee and family. We have lost a unique spiritual leader and so very much more.

Ruth Lee, fond memories of a wonderful Rabbi. May all your good memories sustain you and you family at this sad time. with our deepest sympathy,Lila and Ted Madfis : congregant

My first connection with Rabbi Silver was that our lockers at TBCC were near each other in the same row. We had many short conversations before or after a golf game. He was always warm and approachable. And that magnificent voice!! Whenever we met, after I left TBCC, there was always that same smile and a warm greeting. The entire Jewish community will miss Rabbi Silver. His accomplishments and sense of caring will long be remembered by those whose paths he crossed. Condolences to the entire Silver family and to the members of Temple Beth Israel.

Just heard the very sad news of your father...You are in our thoughts and prayers.

May you and your family know no more sorrow.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet...

Marty and Alison Hochbaum

Harold Silver was Stature Incorporated…

To me, he was a senior colleague… for the nineteen years I was privileged to be in West Hartford.

He was my first contact after it was announced that I was coming to The Emanuel. Harold wrote a letter like only he could. It was professional, but no mere formality. He could make words dance off a page. More than a gesture. Someone I would like to get to know as soon as I arrived.

He was literally a neighbor. Lived close by my synagogue. I got to share his company during his late afternoon stroll from home to Albany Avenue and back for exercise and reflection.

Who would not like to enjoy his spontaneous wisdom, laced now and then with his colorful observations?

Harold was a friend. Even more. Did not stand on ceremony. If he had advice to offer, he came right over and right to the point. That smile reinforced with his sonorous tones and chuckle, refined his pulpit, his personality, and his long and distinguished tenure.

True, Harold was a SILVER with a silver tongue. But he never took his family’s rabbinic heritage for granted. Though he was a sixth generation Silver to be ordained. He was energetic and authentic on his own.

He was not made to be a rabbi. That is not the way he looked at it. He made himself into the brand of Jewish public servant he felt appropriate to his gifts and to the stretch of time he was chosen to influence.

Harold did his work. He also cultivated private moments to keep his perspective balanced.

For ninety-two years, Rabbi Harold Silver favored us with his stature. He was good to his community, his congenial cadre, to his beloved Ruth Lee and extended family.

The Zelermyers knew his worth with that phenomenal annual speaker series he did most of the work to assemble and coordinate for four congregations each fall for enrichment and learning. All summer he labored to make West Hartford known for its repertoire of distinguished scholarly lectures.

On retirement, he wrote his perspective in book form: “I will not let you go until you bless me”.

Thanks, Harold, for all your blessings and that stature you incorporated that will surely stand the test of time.

Rabbi Gerald B. Zelermyer
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
14 March 2017

During my husband, Rabbi Cory Weiss's 6 years at Congregation Beth Israel, Rabbi Silver was OUR rabbi, even in retirement. A kind, wise man, he gave great advice and even better hugs!

Zichrono L'vracha...his memory will serve to bless and inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Eileen Hyman
Debra Geller
Rabbi Peter E. Hyman

Many many ,first in Pittsburgh Squirrel HILL when he was an associate Rabbi
Then when became to West Hartford at CBI many years also wth my parents mainly my mother in the choir . and sabbath services, high holy days, and events.. The pillar of the CBI too me...I loved him.. I always looked forward say hello to both of them ..A leader and teacher , he will be missed..gail katz Sack

Our deepest sympathies to you and the children. Rabbi Silver played a major role in our community and our families including marriages, confirmations, and bar mitvahs. I was priviledged to have taught Sunday School under his tuteledge for 22 years. Ed & Bea

Our deepest sympathies to you and the children. Rabbi Silver played a major role in our community and our families including marriages, confirmations, and bar mitvahs. I was priviledged to have taught Sunday School under his tuteledge for 22 years. Ed & Bea