Rabbi Arnold Mark Belzer Passes Away in Savannah

News Summary

Rabbi Arnold Mark Belzer, a prominent figure in Savannah’s Jewish community and former leader of Congregation Mickve Israel, has passed away at the age of 81. He served the congregation for over 20 years and was dedicated to promoting Jewish history in Savannah. Rabbi Belzer was also involved in numerous community services and interfaith dialogue, making significant contributions that fostered understanding among diverse faiths. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, who remember him for his warmth and kindness.

Savannah, Georgia – Rabbi Arnold Mark Belzer, the former spiritual leader of Congregation Mickve Israel, passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2023, at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his wife, Arlene Kosowsky Belzer, with whom he shared fifty-seven years of marriage.

Rabbi Belzer served Congregation Mickve Israel for over two decades, becoming a central figure in the community before his retirement in 2011. He played a significant role in marking the congregation’s 275th anniversary and was influential in the construction of a new three-story building that housed offices, a religious school, and Savannah’s Museum of Jewish History.

Throughout his tenure, Rabbi Belzer was an avid promoter of the historical significance of Jews in Savannah, often offering tours highlighting their contributions to the area. In 2006, he represented his congregation at the 300th anniversary of London’s Bevis Marks Synagogue, during which he had the honor of meeting His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

Even after retiring, Rabbi Belzer remained active in community service. He held several positions, including membership in the Savannah Association of Historic Houses of Worship and the Coastal Museums Association. He served on the board of the Equal Opportunity Authority of Savannah, was a founding member and commissioner of the Mayor’s Human Relations Commission, and was involved with the Advisory Board of American Hospice Care and the Board of Memorial University Health Trust. Additionally, he was a longstanding member of the Madeira Club, where he presented various topics, including steampunk design and the history of interfaith services.

Rabbi Belzer’s commitment to interfaith dialogue led him to meet both Pope John Paul II in 2005 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. He was dedicated to fostering understanding and collaboration between different faith communities.

Born on July 17, 1943, in Mount Vernon, New York, Rabbi Belzer was the son of Frances Marcus and Benjamin Belzer. His educational background includes a B.A. in history from Iona College, a B.H.L., M.A.H.L., and an Honorary D.D. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he was ordained as a rabbi in 1972. Before his arrival in Savannah in 1990, he served at various congregations, including Congregation Shearith Israel in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and Congregation Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, New Jersey, where he was the founding rabbi of the Jewish Congregation in Kinnelon, New Jersey.

In 1983, he co-founded the Mastery Foundation, promoting leadership and community empowerment, serving as vice president for twenty-five years. Notably, he delivered the opening prayer for the 100th Congress on April 20, 1988, during which his son served as a Congressional page.

Rabbi Belzer also significantly contributed to Jewish history understanding between Jewish and Chinese communities, serving as a founding board member of the Sino-Judaic Institute. He conducted the first Jewish worship service in Kaifeng, China, since the 1860s, and he frequently lectured on this topic, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience.

In his personal life, Rabbi Belzer was cherished for his warmth and dedication to family. He is survived by his wife Arlene, son Nathan, daughter-in-law Allison Scardino Belzer, and granddaughters Cecilia Barrow Belzer and Lillian Robinson Belzer. He is also mourned by his sister, Ellen Beth Belzer, from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and four nieces.

Rabbi Belzer was known for his love of driving his granddaughters around, sharing meals, and making others feel welcome through humor and kindness. His funeral service is scheduled for noon on July 14 at Congregation Mickve Israel, located at 20 East Gordon Street. The family has requested that donations be made to Hospice Savannah or Congregation Mickve Israel in lieu of flowers.

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• Savannah Now: Rabbi Arnold Belzer Dies
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• WTOC: Beloved Local Rabbi Passes Away
• Google Search: Rabbi Arnold Belzer
• WSAV: Former Rabbi of Congregation Mickve Israel Dies
• Google Scholar: Rabbi Arnold Belzer
• Legacy: Arnold Belzer Obituary
• Google News: Rabbi Arnold Belzer