Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman, longtime leader of The Temple, the oldest Jewish congregation in Atlanta, died on Jan. 17 surrounded by his family.
“For his entire career, Rabbi Sugarman dedicated his life to teaching, inspiring, and leading us with compassion and unwavering faith,” an announcement from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta said. “He touched countless lives through teachings, kindness and the genuine care he shared with each one of us.”
A post on Sugarman’s Facebook page written by his children, with the headline, “THAT’S ALL FOLKS,” said the family “promised our dad that we would make this his last Facebook post. One of his most important life missions was to make people laugh and smile! We hope you always smile when you remember him.”
Hundreds of people had already voiced their condolences on the page in the minutes following the family’s post. Many people told personal stories about Sugarman’s leadership, deep connections to the community through weddings, bat and bar mitzvahs, births and other life-changing events. Several said Sugarman had helped them through difficult times with kindness and humor.
A native of Atlanta, Sugarman received his BBA from Emory University and was ordained by Hebrew Union College. In 1974, he was named senior rabbi at The Temple, where he served until taking an emeritus title in 2004.
Sugarman served as president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and the Southeast Association of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, as well as treasurer of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Sugarman also served on several boards in the Jewish and Atlanta community, including The Atlanta Jewish Federation and as a member of Emory University’s Board of Trustees.
In 2008, Rabbi Sugarman was honored with the Emory Medal, the highest award given to an Emory alumni. He also served as a consultant to the Marcus Foundation and taught at Mercer University as an adjunct professor.
Sugarman was preceded in death by his parents, Helene Marx Sugarman and Meyer Louis Sugarman. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara; his children, Lanie Kirsch (Greg) and Leah Siegel (Blaine); his grandchildren, Amanda Knock (Phil), Aaron Kirsch (fiancé, Erica Thomas), Noah Siegel, and Ryan Siegel.
A memorial service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 will be held in The Temple Sanctuary, which is dedicated to Rabbi Sugarman. Attendees are encouraged to share stories, reflect on his life, and celebrate the enduring legacy that he leaves behind. The service will be live-streamed.
Shiva will be held immediately following the memorial service at the Temple until 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations close to Rabbi Sugarman’s heart – The Temple, Our House, or Marcus Autism Center.
