Grossman blessed Baron Hirsch, Israel
Rabbi Rafael G. Grossman, the former Memphis rabbi who died last week in Jerusalem at age 84, left an indelible mark on Orthodox Judaism here and across America.
His spiritual, political and academic influence extended far beyond Baron Hirsch, the nation’s largest Orthodox Zionist congregation, for which he served as senior rabbi from 1974-2002, and later as rabbi emeritus.
As the first rabbi outside the New York area to be elected president of the Rabbinical Council of America, Rabbi Grossman’s unwavering support for Israel informed Orthodox Jews and conservative Christians alike.
He was a staunch supporter of the late Ed McAteer’s annual National Christian Prayer Breakfast for Israel, which brought to Memphis such religious right figures as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and James Dobson.
Because of Rabbi Grossman’s national and international stature, Baron Hirsch hosted leading politicians of the day, including former President Gerald Ford, Vice President Dan Quayle and Vice President Al Gore.
As chairman of the board for Religious Zionists of America, and a member of the presidium of the world conference of Orthodox Jewish Leadership, Rabbi Grossman met several times with President Bill Clinton.
After he retired, he wrote a weekly column for the Jewish Press. “Blindness is ignorance, but learning is reality, and light is knowledge,” he wrote. “God’s spirit emanates from the light within the human soul, a spark deeply embedded in all of God’s children. When ignited, that spark radiates to the darkest parts of Earth.”
Rafael G. Grossman grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey, but his father, a rabbi, grew up in Poland and fled with his wife and children in 1928, five years before Rafael was born.
His maternal grandfather, also a rabbi, was burned alive in a Polish synagogue. His maternal grandmother died in a Nazi concentration camp. Ten aunts and uncles also perished in the Holocaust.
“It’s one of the major scars on my soul,” Grossman told The Commercial Appeal in 1993. “It’s one of the reasons for my passionate zeal for Zionism and the cause of the state of Israel.”
After serving congregations in Texas and New Jersey, Rabbi Grossman and his wife, Shirley, came to Baron Hirsch in 1974. It was shortly after the death of their 17-year-old daughter, Shoshana, who developed a rare medical disorder.
“As a result of their tragedy, our community was blessed with the presence of a wonderful spiritual leader, a great Rebbetzin and wonderful family,” said Jack Belz, a past president of the synagogue.
During his 28 years as spiritual leader of Baron Hirsch, Rabbi Grossman also led the influential congregation’s physical transition from Vollintine in Midtown to South Yates in East Memphis.
“He loved and inspired thousands,” said Andy Groveman, another past president of the synagogue. “He instilled in me the meaning of living a life committed to family, Jewish education, a life of service to our Jewish people and an unbridled love of our beloved state of Israel.”
Rabbi Grossman is survived by his wife, Shirley; their children Aviva, Hillel, Shamai and Shukie; and 21 grandchildren. Baron Hirsch plans to have a memorial service soon.