Rabbi Howard Hirsch, spiritual leader of Temple Shalom in Colorado Springs from 1989 to 1997, was an erudite, dignified and friendly man who loved listening to the world’s greatest arias at the Metropolitan Opera. Regardless of the language — Italian, French, German — he understood every word. We had no idea until now — and we’re probably not alone.
Hirsch stood tall and elegant on the bimah at Temple Shalom, a merged Reform-Conservative congregation. Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, he instinctively knew how to reach across the denominational aisle. The services and faces differed, yet the joy winging the prayers upward was identical.
The religious leader who died April 15 in Cleveland, where he was born and spent his last years, did not rest on his emeritus laurels after retiring from Temple Shalom. In Colorado Springs, Hirsch founded and led the Center for Christian-Jewish Dialogue for 18 years, fostering respectful encounters between various faith representatives. He taught at Regis University in Denver for 20 years, besides other colleges.
Hirsch, who developed friendships with Maria Callas, Anna Moffo and Richard Tucker, also loved classical music. He patronized Carnegie Hall as often as circumstances allowed.
In 2014, Rabbi Hirsch moved back to Cleveland. Now his wife Eva, their children and grandchildren are mourning an inevitable yet unimagined loss.
“May choirs of angels lead you to heaven.” The words belong to a hymn, but the sentiment is ours.
Copyright © 2020 by the Intermountain Jewish News
