Remembering Rabbi Zeldin: A Personal Memory
by Rabbi David Woznica
For many years I had the privilege of sharing the pulpit with Rabbi Zeldin for our monthly Friday night late service. The Zeldins had moved to Palm Desert so his visits back to Stephen Wise Temple were always highly anticipated.
As he drove up Friday afternoon, I would wait in the anterior room of his panoramic view-filled office. His distinctive voice greeted me with an expressive “David” followed by a warm embrace. I suspect many of you have similar memories of him warmly and personally greeting you.
I cherished our time prior to the start of the service. It was an opportunity to privately engage with Rabbi Zeldin on a range of subjects: Israel, Judaism, and the rabbinate to name a few.
One evening he was sitting and thoughtfully reflecting on the sermon he prepared to deliver. I asked, “Are you thinking about what you’re going to say?” He smiled and replied, “I am thinking about what not to say.”
I recall a Friday night service where he told a story from the pulpit that was so funny it put us all on the verge of tears. Amidst the laughter, he returned to his seat, leaned over and with a large sheepish grin and a hint of pride said to me: “Now that’s how you tell a story.” Indeed.
Let us continue to tell stories and share memories of this extraordinary man; a rabbi who, with dignity and grace, helped build our congregation, shaped our souls and forever touched our lives.
May the memory of Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin be a blessing, and may his soul be cradled in the hands of God forever.
