A Farewell to Rabbi Jamie Gibson

NEW! Doug Schiller

Watching Arafat and Clinton on the small TV in your office, and remembering your comments on Arafat's clothing during that overly hopeful moment.  Again thanks for all you have done, and enjoy what's to come.

NEW! Karen, Chuck, & David Moellenberg

We extend our best wishes to Rabbi Gibson for a happy retirement, filled with all the adventures and activities he and Barbara love. 

NEW! Jay Silberblatt

Not long after Jamie arrived in Pittsburgh, our son, Alec, was born and Jamie came to our house a few weeks later for a baby naming ceremony. We all gathered on our back patio and Jamie performed the rituals, strummed his guitar, and sang a few songs. It was our first “life-cycle” experience with Jamie. Since then, there have been B’nei Mitzvah, funerals, a wedding, and all sorts of Sinai celebrations. Jamie has been there for us all along. He is and will always be our Rabbi.

From 2001–2003, I had the good fortune to serve as Temple Sinai’s President. During that time, Jamie and I were the Temple Sinai Tag Team. We were “on the road” a lot doing our song and dance for the Standing at Sinai Campaign. He provided the spiritual insight and I provided the financial forecast. Together, I thought we made a pretty good team. But, in the end, it was Jamie who pulled in the donations that enabled the campaign to be so successful and provided Temple Sinai with its Fund for the Future endowment that now spins off more than $100,000 in annual revenue for the operating budget.  Without Jamie’s efforts in the Standing at Sinai campaign, Temple Sinai would be unable to afford many of its educational events. Without Jamie’s efforts, Temple Sinai would be unable to provide its wonderful music program. Without Jamie’s efforts, Temple Sinai would be unable to insure that anyone, regardless of financial conditions, will have the opportunity to be a part of our Family of Families. 

Being a Rabbi is a multi-faceted career; a Rabbi is a teacher, a speaker, a writer, a counselor, a scholar, an historian, a mediator, a leader, a fund raiser, a planner, a tour guide, a visionary, a manager, and a friend. Whenever I look up any of those words in the dictionary, it is Jamie Gibson’s name and picture that I see.

My term as President of Temple Sinai was so personally rewarding because I could serve as President while Jamie Gibson was its Senior Rabbi. And Jamie’s impact on my family has been remarkable. Thank you, Jamie!

New! Noah Levin

I've had the same Rabbi since I was 4. He's retiring now after 32 yrs at our synagogue, and I attended his last shabbat service digitally last week including a brief but sweet oneg over zoom. I don't talk much about religion, but some reflections on Rabbi Jamie's impact on me:

I've always looked up to him as a leader. He's thoughtful, caring, and impressively graceful yet earnest under difficult circumstances. When my dad died just one year before my bar mitzvah, he (and the congregation) supported me (and our family) in ways I never expected.

He showed up personally to our house. He pulled me aside at 12y/o, and wanted to hear me out. I don't remember what was said, but I remember he was so present/grounding. I didn't feel like he was "on the job". It was a time of panic, yet he made me feel like things would be ok.

Even though I only really attended services on high holidays into my adulthood, I was always humbled that with hundreds of people over 30+ years, he always remembered me and what I'm up to. I still don't understand how his memory works so well when he must hear so many stories.

I don't consider myself particularly religious, and I've had my challenges having seen the impact that bad actors can play in global conflict surrounding it. But I have such a deep level of respect and admiration for the sense of community and love (and music!) that come from it.

And it takes an incredible person to lead patiently through all of the challenges of our world, and help people feel safe and connected throughout. And to do that for 32 years! I think the tech industry's average job length these days is barely ~1 year...

Finally, one thing he shared ~2yrs ago to Anderson Cooper during a tragedy that rings especially true today under different contexts:

"Be in community. You don't have to cry alone. You don't have to be obsessed with the news every moment. We are so much stronger together."

Thank you Rabbi Jamie. For showing up. For caring. For remembering. For playing guitar. For singing (and letting me sing). For fostering community. 

Hope you enjoy a restful retirement.

NEW! Alan & Patricia Miller

Dear Rabbi Gibson: Memories.

How could we possibly catalogue the many memories of you, our Rabbi, over the past 32 years? Could it be the way you taught our sons to appreciate Judaism during their religious school education during the 1990s (yes, our twin boys Adam and Jacob are contemporaries of your sons). Could it be the times you read the names of the French children slaughtered in the Holocaust each Yom Kippur, bringing us to tears? Maybe it was the sessions on Yom Kippur day. Or maybe the countless sermons in which you exhorted the congregation to a higher calling, a Jewish calling, challenging us to open our eyes, our hearts, to care for our family, our congregation, our Jewish community and the greater Pittsburgh community in which we live. These memories, and countless others, will remain with us forever. You have truly moved and inspired Pat and me throughout your 32 years. We were members of the congregation when you arrived as our new Rabbi. While we are happy for you as you move to Emeritus status, we will miss you, a lot. The sermons, the singing, your guitar, your words, the tears. I suspect you know the number of hearts you have touched, and count ours among them.

Pat and I wish you the very best as you move forward. You are a treasure, a true gem in the rabbinical world. Irreplaceable. Wishing you and Barbara the very best. 

NEW! Monica Cellio

In 1998 I was trying to navigate the Jewish community from the outside, trying to figure out where I fit in the vast array of movements and synagogues and other groups. I wandered into Temple Sinai for a weekday afternoon (mincha) service and was struck by the warmth from the small group led by Rabbi Gibson. I came back for a Friday night service and felt drawn in. I came back for the Shabbat morning minyan and was hooked. I knew I wasn't just looking for a community but for a rabbi, and I had found my rabbi. In Rabbi Gibson I found someone who led a huge congregation and still made me, one person, feel noticed, cared for, and special.

Rabbi Gibson taught and continues to teach me torah, over books and in the values he models. He engages with my questions and struggles. He showed me that one can be a committed Reform Jew and also be committed to our torah and traditions. He has been there for me in happy and sad times, was there to guide me when I was considering rabbinic school, and has nurtured my neshama all these years.

Pirke Avot 1:6 teaches us: make for yourself a rav (teacher) and find for yourself a friend. I am blessed to have found both in Rabbi Gibson.

NEW! Paul, Lenore, K.J., & P.J. Wossidlo

While I have so many happy memories of Rabbi Gibson, my favorite one is when he arranged for our son with autism, Karl (K.J.) to have a Bar Mitzvah. He talked with us about why it was important, what were the most important parts to complete, and how we would make it happen. Over three months, we prepared our son on a weekly basis, and on August 20, 2006, K.J. had his Bar Mitzvah. It's hard to put into words what this meant to our family, to my heart, and to K.J. 

In 2013, our younger son, Paul (P.J.), had his Bar Mitzvah. Again, Rabbi Gibson was there for that special moment.  
Rabbi Gibson has helped my family in so many different ways, and yes we will miss him. We wish him all the happiness that he and his family deserve, and we want him to know that his shoes will be hard to fill.

With Love.

NEW! Video Messages

Wendy Bennett

Temple Sinai Band

Michael & Jane Louik

Becca Droz

John & Denise Schiller

NEW! Lee & Jan Beerman

We feel very privileged that we have had the opportunity to be part of the community lead by Rabbi Jamie over the past 30 years. We were there for his first Yom Kippur sermon about “Trust” and his commitment to Temple Sinai, which he filled way beyond all expectations—for Bar and Bat Mitvahs, confirmations, bonding during Saturday morning minyans, an unforgettable and inspiring trip to Israel and many other life cycle events. His passion for social justice and celebrating interfaith dialogue has already established a remarkable legacy in Pittsburgh and beyond. We will certainly miss his formal Rabbinic leadership, but we are comforted knowing he and Barbara will remain a vital part of the Temple and Pittsburgh community.

Thank you Jamie for your friendship and contributions to our lives.

NEW! Susan Gluckman

Rabbi Gibson married Bob and me, then later became my teacher and friend.

The Reform Judaism Rabbi Jamie imparted blew the doors of my soul wide open. "Lech lecha," and ready or not, there I went, compelled by what I recognized as a lifetime call from inside myself. Leaving my childhood faith became my homecoming.

Jamie was there for us during serious illness and loss. We were deeply comforted by his presence, and by singing Mi Shebeirach in the hospital more than once.

Now, Jamie, you are leaving and we cannot "Lech lecha" with you. Selfishly, I wish this time weren’t here. I experienced only a small portion of the light you constantly offered our congregation, yet it illuminates both significant and insignificant moments on my Jewish path. "In between the mountain tops, there’s laundry," you counseled Bob and me with a grin before we wed. Thank you for being a beacon during the small and grand blessings of life.

With warmest wishes, gratitude, much love, and joyful congratulations on your retirement. You will not be forgotten!

NEW! Darcy & Alan Bernstein

We have been members of Temple Sinai since we were married there in 1973 and have known Rabbi Jamie throughout his 32 years at Temple Sinai. Our first one-on-one meeting with Rabbi Jamie was when we met in the fall of 1988 to discuss our first son’s Bar Mitzvah in April of 1989. Adam was part of Rabbi Jamie’s first Bar Mitzvah class. Right away we could see how caring and interested he was in making sure the “experience“ would be meaningful not only for Adam but for our entire family. We were convinced that temple had found the right person to be the spiritual leader for our congregation and hoped that Rabbi Jamie would stay for a long time. We’re so grateful he did stay.

As the years passed, so many more memories were created as our two children went through Religious School (and were confirmed), and, also, as we had to deal with the passing of our parents. Throughout, Rabbi Jamie was always there to celebrate happy events and to offer support and comfort to our family in sadder times.

Even though we moved away from Pittsburgh four years ago, we remain members of Temple Sinai because of the connection we feel, largely due to Rabbi Jamie.

We, and our two sons (Adam and Ethan), wish Rabbi Jamie all the best in his retirement. He will be missed.

NEW! Photos from Susan Straus

[See more photos…]

NEW! Stanton & Ruth Jonas

My wife, Ruth, and I have a memorable incident with Rabbi Jamie, which occasionally repeats itself when the Rabbi may be speaking to a congregant and upon noticing us, says to that person, "These are the Jonases who were the first couple I married upon arrival at Temple Sinai!" It "gets us" each and every time.

We will forever miss hearing these words again.

NEW! Rob & F.D. Fields

Dear Rabbi Jamie,

Congratulations on your retirement. You have earned it! 

We want to thank you for the consistent, comforting, and inspirational presence that you have been in the life of our family since we joined Temple Sinai in 1998. We are very grateful for the extraordinary role you played in Spencer's development as a dedicated student of the world and as a mensch. We are also very grateful for your involvement in the Interfaith program, your thoughtful, educational, and often moving sermons, and the wonderful and memorable 2000 trip to Israel with three generations of the Fields family. [read more…]

NEW! Rabbi Sara Rae Perman

I have considered Jamie my rabbi long before I joined Temple Sinai. He has been a treasured colleague who was always there for me. I consider Jamie to be a rabbi's rabbi.

As a member now of Temple Sinai, I have come to enjoy his musical talent, which has added much to my worship experience and all the wonderful stories he tells, especially at Saturday morning services.

I have to give a shout out as well to Barbara. I recognize that she has supported Jamie, had his back, and allowed him to be the wonderful rabbi he is.

I wish only the best for Jamie (and Barbara) in retirement. If I may, "Old rabbis never retire, they just get gray around the Temple."

NEW! Photos through the years from Carol Rosenthal

[see more…]

NEW! Ellen & Bob Katzen

As we reflect on your years at Temple Sinai, there are four very personal encounters that pop into our mind. The first is when you, Barbara, Avi, and David spent several weeks staying at our home as the renovation of their home had not been completed! What a joy to get to know all of you on a very personal level. Your entire family were such easy house guests and we loved just hanging out with all of you! [read more…]

NEW! Sue Horne

Dear Rabbi Gibson, 
It has been an honor to work for and with you during the nearly 20 years of my tenure at Temple Sinai. You have been by my side during some of the very difficult times in my life, and I will never forget all that you've done for me, all your caring, all your compassion, and all your guidance. 

Congratulations to you on your very deserved retirement!! I know you will always be connected to Temple Sinai in the future years to come. 

My love and best wishes to you.

NEW! Betty Lou Margolis

Two specific times Rabbi gave me a much needed morale boost. 

First, on the Israel trip, 2011. My husband had just been admitted to a nursing home. I needed someone to lift my spirits and keep me busy which Rabbi and the trip did. 

Second, following my open heart surgery, May 2018, I looked forward to Rabbi's hospital visits. Some days I was so tired I didn't want company but Rabbi brought me a fresh look on life. 

NEW! Susan K. Cohen

When our son Charlie was in the 10th grade, he asked Rabbi Gibson to write a letter of recommendation for the National Honor Society. When he showed me the letter, I was in awe. In a few short paragraphs, he had captured Charlie's spirit and personality in a way that showed me he had really paid attention to Charlie, throughout his childhood.

Amy Kellman

I have lots of memories of 30 years of sharing Rosh 
Hashanah lunch at our home with the Gibsons, but my most special memory follows. The day my husband died was cold and snowy. Jamie came over when he heard and proceeded to shovel my walk. I don’t know many Rabbi’s who would do that. It was 18 years ago, but I’ve never forgotten his kindness and concern during that very difficult period of my life.

Rhoda Dorfzaun

My first and most memorable thoughts are when Marvin Adelson and I met Jamie for breakfast at the biennial. As we waited in line we spotted him and both of us thought he looks so young. But that was quickly dismissed as we talked over the meal and realized that he would be a perfect match for Sinai. What a prophetic breakfast!

NEW! Ben Wecht

The first time I met Rabbi Jamie, which was also the first time I stepped foot inside Temple Sinai despite having grown up right around the corner, was at a Purim carnival sometime in the early 90s. I was strolling from game to game, minding my own business, when a strange man in a jester's hat and, I believe, a clown outfit, came up to me, shook my hand and shouted, "Happy Purim!" Little did I know that within this festive exterior lurked a scholar, an orator, a Zionist, a spiritual adviser, a musician and a man of unusual heart, mind and soul. [read more…]

NEW! Rosalyn E. Wein

When my husband Joe was very ill several years ago, I remember that Rabbi Gibson called from one of his trips to Israel expressing his concern and sending best wishes. I’m so glad I got to know him and his lovely wife, Barbara. So glad also that they will still be living in Pittsburgh. It will always be a pleasure to see them around town. Much love and hugs and best wishes for a great life ahead.

Kerry Bron & Robert Levin

“We are planning to get married next Sunday, and we would like you to perform the ceremony,” was the greeting my fiancé and I gave to Rabbi Gibson the week before Mother’s Day eight years ago. I had not seen Rabbi Jamie for about 10 years; at least my husband–to-be, Robert Levin, was a member of Temple Sinai. Rabbi Gibson was taken aback by the immediacy of our request, but in his typical, inimitable, compassionate way, he agreed to marry us after we explained that the urgency was due to family illness [read more…]

Estelle Solomon-Cherin & Steven Cherin

Rabbi Jamie, Barbara and Misha had their first Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh at our home. [read more…]

The Essence of My Sinai
By Michele Clarke

Our first meeting with this welcoming, extraordinary man made us feel that we may have found a religious home.

So how did we meet him? And why?  In the early 90s at the YMCA Camp Deer Valley, my husband and I were playing bocci against another couple. And I had to pair with the other woman as we were both too noisy for our husbands to partner with us. [read more…]

Florence & Toby Chapman

When my first granddaughter was born we had her named in the synagogue at a Friday night service about a month or more after her birth. It was a beautiful moment but her two uncles (my sons ) were not there since they live out of town and had come to Pittsburgh immediately after her birth. [read more…]

Joanne & Woody Chetlin

We first met Jamie Gibson in the lovely apartment of Shirley Kamons, where we’d been invited to come meet the new incoming Rabbi. At the time, we were members of another synagogue with a son in Hebrew School approaching his Bar Mitzvah. Shirley thought we might be interested in changing our affiliation, with this new, young, guitar-playing Rabbi coming onboard. She was right. We had a lovely conversation on the couch, Jamie speaking softly…I remember him saying that his concern was for neshamah, not ritual or ceremony. His intellect was evident and his gentle demeanor was charming; we made the switch and have always been happy we did.

Marlene Goldstein

From the time we joined the Temple we liked Jamie—he is warm and welcoming. In the last few months I have found him even more caring and comforting. We can never thank him enough for his kind heart during his visits to Herb.

Much mazel as you retire. We wish you health and happiness.

Anne Alter

I first came to a Temple Sinai service twenty five years ago. I had not been raised in the Temple, and I came there looking for answers during a very difficult time of my life. The first time I attended, I spent the hour crying. As if this was nothing out of the ordinary, Rabbi Jamie introduced himself and welcomed me to Temple. While I can’t remember what he said during the service, it made sense to me, so I stayed. Although my actual conversion would not happen until 2019, the Rabbi made a ‘convert’ of me that very first evening.

Marcy Kaufman

I have many fond memories of Rabbi Jamie. He has made my family feel welcome in Temple Sinai every time we see him. 
This year he has been my older sons’ confirmation teacher and has made the year meaningful to him. Brett is glad that he has been able to have the many discussions with Rabbi even if some have been over Zoom. 
My son Ryan was suppose to be one of Rabbi Jamie’s last B’nei Mitzvah, however due to the Pandemic we had to postpone the service. Even though we know it is not possible, Ryan has asked us to see if Rabbi would come out of retirement so that he can be at Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah on the bima with him. [read more…]

Shirley Goldstein

In 1993 Rabbi Gibson lead his first congregational trip to Israel. My husband and I went on that trip. It was our first trip to Israel and it was a life-changing experience.

(Top photo) Members of the trip at the Sea of Galilee; (Bottom photo) Our group at Temple Sinai the Friday night after our return.

Sheila & Michael Sittig

This photo was taken during a fund raising event for Temple at 
Steak & Shake at the Waterfront. He offered to wash our car for the right price. Well, we took him up on it.

P.S. He did a super job!

Alona Bloom

This is one of my favorite photos from my daughter Casey’s Bat Mitzvah last January. It shows my older daughter, Jordyn, on the bima reading a Torah portion. Rabbi Gibson always knew how to make the students feel comfortable and how to calm their nerves. He’d whisper something silly or use one of his famous jokes to make them feel at ease. 

I will always be grateful to Rabbi Gibson for everything he has done for my family over the years!

Drew Barkley

There is a saying that a synagogue Executive Director is only as good as his relationship with the Senior Rabbi. Our relationship is special. I am forever grateful for how Rabbi Gibson has facilitated and supported me at Temple Sinai.

Gloria Bodek

Gloria Silberblatt Bodek and Dr. Alvin M. Bodek signing our ketuba with Rabbi Jamie on May 22, 1999.

Both Al and I had been widowed, so this was a second marriage for both of us. Jamie didn’t know Al, but I had been a member of Temple Sinai since my move to Pittsburgh in 1986. Our wedding was in Temple’s Bodek Garden followed by a reception inside.

Of course, Al joined me in appreciation of our congregation and our spiritual leader for the 20 plus years we were together. Al died this past December. Jamie had a wonderful visit with him just four days before his death.

Dan Edelstone

Our entire group that went to Israel with the Rabbi a few years ago.

Mel Hackman

During a trip to Israel, I suffered a major accident in Petra, Jordan. Rabbi Gibson stayed with me during my trip by ambulance to a Jordanian hospital, and stayed with me the entire time I was being examined. I will never forget this kind act of his. Forever grateful.

Joe Weinkle

Most memories of Jamie are special from the time he and Barbara first came to Pittsburgh. They brought a special four-year-old Micah with them who became an instant nephew to Phyllis and me. If any one thing stands out it is finally being able to study Torah and much more with someone who accepted any and all attempts on the part of those around him to learn and understand. There is certainly much more that could be shared, but that would take a week of all day conversations.

Bob Gluckman

My most powerful memories of Rabbi Jamie are first, the readings during Yizkor every year of the names of French children convoyed to their deaths by the Nazis as well as the children’s ages. This never failed to bring tears to my eyes. Second are the High Holidays sermons each year with their very powerful messages that never fail to strike a strong chord in me. Third, and perhaps most powerful of all, was his bedside visit to see me in the hospital in 2015. I was not doing so well. His visit and especially the Mi Shebeirach that he and my wife, Susan, chanted left me in tears (yes, again!) but also tremendously buoyed and cared for. I want to thank Jamie for all the hard work and devotion to his responsibilities for so many years now. I also want to wish him, Barbara, and the rest of his family the best of health and strength in the future. I have never met a rabbi like Jamie before and I am quite certain I will not in the future either.

Saul Straussman & Kellee Van Aken

Dear Rabbi Gibson, 

Thank you for officiating at our wedding, one of the happiest 
days of our lives. Looking at this picture we are awestruck by 
how young we all are! As we approach our 15th anniversary 
we feel blessed to have had your guidance at so many 
significant family events. 

With love and gratitude.

Mimi Herwald

I respect Rabbi Gibson for being a genuine, kind, and supportive human being while ably handling the many challenges of running a diverse organization and successfully meeting the spiritual needs of its members. To me, his calling up different groups of congregants (volunteers, birthday celebrants, people who have suffered a setback, etc.) during the High Holiday services embodied his efforts to make everyone feel welcome at Temple Sinai. On a personal note, Jamie has consistently gone out of his way to acknowledge, and be sensitive to, my needs and those of my family. I am grateful that he has been my rabbi for the past 28 years and will truly miss him. 

Sam Skobel

Rabbi Gibson,

Thank you for everything you have done for me for the past few years. My welcome to Pittsburgh and my integration into the Temple Sinai family and community would not have been the same without you. I laughed the first time I heard you make the joke about L’cha dodi being a young prayer, and I laughed the fiftieth as well. You have truly allowed me to continue my Jewish learning and worship over the last four years and helped me to find joy and comfort in doing so. I appreciate who you are as a person and as a Rabbi. I respect what you stand for, what you preach, and how you carry yourself. I am grateful to have gotten to know you and even more grateful to have had the opportunity to stand on the bimah beside you during a service. It’s been an honor. I wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. 

All my love.

Elliott S. Oshry

In June of 2004 I made my first visit to Israel as part of a Temple Sinai group led by Rabbi Gibson. It was a life-changing experience. I was told by friends to expect an extremely emotional reaction when I step off the airplane and set foot for the first time in the land of Israel. So I was very disappointed when I felt nothing as we disembarked from the plane. Jamie said, ‘Don’t worry. It will come.’ [read more…]

Jan & Ed Korenman

Above and below are three photos of our children at their individual B’nei Mitzvah with Rabbi Gibson. We had the honor of being his first family where he officiated at three in one family! We have had many wonderful and meaning moments with our Rabbi over the years but this one was so special and joyful! [see photos…]

Aya Betensky & Bob Kraut

Jamie is good at so many things—pastoral empathy, teaching, preaching, social action, music. and more.

He showed heartfelt empathy and concern when we had family losses. By listening intently and asking us good questions he elicited memories of our parents and wove them into beautiful eulogies. [read more…]

Ruth Reidbord 

Twenty-one years ago this month my first grandchild was born in California. I was there, as was my husband, Marvin, prior to, during the delivery (in a waiting room) and afterwords for the Brit Milah. The day before the Brit my son-in-law, Andrew Cherenson, asked me to give a short talk on the biblical Daniel, since they decided to name their son Daniel. [read more…]

Lynn Rubenson

Although I was a Temple Sinai member before moving to San Diego in 2001 where I was a member of a Reform synagogue, I was never as connected or active as I have been at Sinai since moving back to Pittsburgh seven years ago. As I eased into becoming a part of the Sinai family, Jamie most certainly inspired me to want to participate more in services and volunteer my time. 

Thank you Jamie for re-connecting me, for being such an avid supporter of WoTS and helping me find the joy in 
prayer and song. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have attended this last Biennial with you and singing with you on Friday night after services until I lost 
my voice!

Photo: 2019 Biennial Group (by Dale Lazar)

Esther Nathanson

I remember clearly Rabbi Jamie’s first informal ‘meet the congregation’ gathering in the Chapel. He gave us several assurances: In spite of the fact that his name was Gibson, he was Jewish, and he had had a Bar Mitzvah; in spite of his youthful appearance, he was old enough to serve as our Rabbi. After the meeting, Harvey and I agreed; we were quite pleased with the selection of the Search Committee.

And I remember Rabbi Gibson’s 
support of Temple Sinai’s PIIN 
(Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact
Network) involvement.

John & Denise Schiller

Here are a set of ‘full circle’ pictures that Rabbi Gibson conducted…our daughter, Jessie’s, naming (the first life cycle event that Jamie did) on August 8, 1988; Jamie conducting Jessie’s Bat Mitzvah in 2001; Jamie married Jessie and Dave in 2016; and finally Jamie naming Jessie’s baby, Frances Bea, in January 2020. THAT’s full circle.

Selma Ryave

I have so many memories of Rabbi Gibson, but the one that started my love of this exceptional mensch was his sermon for his first Rosh HaShanah service. He was aware that we had been having a revolving door of rabbis coming and going. In that sermon he told of his taking his oldest son, Micah (about four years old at the time), to Taylor Alderdice High School and telling him that he would graduate from that high school in due time. How true!…And then there was the time when a relative of mine from out of town was having serious difficulties. I called the rabbi expressing my great concerns. Rabbi Gibson said in a sincere voice, ‘Selma, would you want me to go and see what I can do?’ Of course, I would not have him do so but the fact that he offered makes him so very special.

I remember when Rabbi Gibson gave the eulogy at my late husband, Sam’s, funeral in March 1995. He explained that Sam had a severe hearing loss from his Air Force service in WWII. As a result, Sam really could not  hear others when singing the songs and reading the prayers. Sam and I used to sit in the second row on the aisle. Rabbi said he made a point of waiting for Sam to finish (always late) because when Sam was finished that portion was finally finished.

Rosa Averbach

Dear Jamie,
Just a short note to thank you for all of the kind and thoughtful phone calls, letters, and visits you have made to me and my family all of these many years.
The contributions you have made to the temple, Squirrel Hill, and Pittsburgh have been tremendous. I, for one, have always admired you as a person and community leader. I wish you and lovely Barbara all good things in your future journey.
Bravo, well done.

Susan Blackman

I came to my first Friday evening service at Temple Sinai in 2011. I remember Jamie standing up and saying, ‘I used to think it was fine for a same gender couple to be able to have a civil service. But I don’t agree with that any longer.’ I gulped and thought that maybe I’d made a mistake by coming to Temple Sinai. He continued, ‘Now I think that a same gender couple should be able to get married the same way as any other couple. Full marriage equality.’ I’m sure he said more, but by that time I was just sitting there quietly weeping. I knew I was home.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Thirty-two years of love, care, wisdom, music, and connection—Rabbi Jamie Gibson’s imprint on Temple Sinai Pittsburgh is simply indelible. Kindness, authenticity, vision, devotion, and wisdom are just some of the words that describe your senior rabbi. Over the past 32 years, these qualities have been implanted within Temple Sinai as a community but also within each and every one of you, and, I would dare say, in the wider Pittsburgh community. Anyone who’s had the privilege of learning with—and joy of being in the presence of—has had been able to internalize some of those remarkable gifts.

Lynn Magid Lazar & Dale Lazar

Here is one of my all-time favorite photos of Jamie. It is also a very rare photo! How often can you find Jamie 
in the middle of the pews? He is indeed ‘a man for all seatings.

For so many of life’s milestones, the Magid and Lazar family says, “THANK YOU Rabbi Jamie!

Judy Rulin Mahan

It was 1988, and I had just gotten engaged. My parents told me about the new rabbi, who just started at Temple Sinai. ‘He’ll officiate an interfaith wedding,’ my mom told me. And so began my long and ever-changing relationship with Rabbi Gibson. He has been with my family of four generations through good times and sad. He married Chuck and me; helped us all grieve through the funerals of my grandmother and mom; taught my son, Matt, through his Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation; and has been a true supporter of my work. He is my rabbi, my colleague, and my friend.

Joan Stein

There are literally too many stories to share, but let’s start at the beginning.

I grew up going to Young People’s Synagogue (YPS), a modern Orthodox congregation in Squirrel Hill. We had no rabbi, we were lay-led and for the most part, Shabbos (Saturday) services was all we did. I had no concept of what a spiritual home was. [read more…]

Suzan Hauptman

My parents were life members at another synagogue when I convinced them to make the jump to Sinai. My dad was often in the hospital, and he was disappointed that the rabbi at the other synagogue wasn’t visiting. My parents joined Sinai. Within about a month, my dad was in the hospital and within hours Rabbi Jamie came to visit. That made my dad so happy. Unfortunately, prior to his death, my dad was in the hospital a lot, and Rabbi Jamie visited every time. When my father passed away, Rabbi Jamie was there for me, my mom, and my brother; giving us each our own time. [read more…]

Mimi Botkin

I’ve known Jamie Gibson for 32 years, as both my rabbi and my friend. Here, in no particular order, because memory doesn’t follow chronology, are my thoughts as his time with us is measured in weeks, not years.
When Jamie first arrived at Temple Sinai, we had experienced a carousel of rabbis, none staying longer than a few years. Then came this ‘youngin,’ and we had no idea what to expect. [read more…]