How to Write a Eulogy for Your Rabbi - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for your rabbi is an honor and a responsibility. Rabbis often hold many roles in the lives of congregants teacher, counselor ritual leader and friend. This guide gives clear steps to craft a tribute that honors their spiritual leadership and the personal ways they touched people. You will find sample openings a range of full eulogies templates you can adapt and practical delivery advice for speaking in a synagogue during shiva or at a funeral.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a rabbi at a funeral memorial or celebration of life. You might be a congregant a synagogue board member a student of the rabbi or a close friend. Maybe you lead services sometimes or maybe you only waved hello in the parking lot. There are examples for formal pulpit style addresses short personal tributes and more casual remembrances suitable for a living room gathering during shiva.

What is a eulogy for a rabbi

A eulogy is a speech that honors and remembers someone who has died. When that someone is a rabbi the eulogy often mixes personal memories with references to their spiritual teachings and impact on the community. It is not an academic lecture. It is a story about a person who led prayers taught Torah visited the sick and sat with people in crisis. Your tribute should reflect both public leadership and private kindness.

Terms and acronyms you might see

• Synagogue The Jewish house of worship where services and community events happen.
• Shiva The week long period of mourning observed by immediate family after burial. Shiva gatherings are often held in a family home and are places for visitors to offer condolences.
• Kaddish A mourner s prayer recited in services. It is mostly in Aramaic and is a communal affirmation rather than a description of death.
• Chevra Kadisha A traditional burial society that prepares a body according to Jewish law and custom. The name means sacred society.
• Torah The central reference of the Jewish tradition often meaning the five books of Moses or more broadly Jewish teachings and commentaries.
• Cantor The prayer leader who chants liturgy. Sometimes called chazan. A cantor and a rabbi often lead services together.
• Levaya A Hebrew word often used for funeral or burial service.

How long should a eulogy be

Keep it focused. Aim for three to seven minutes for most settings. That usually equals about 400 to 900 spoken words. If multiple people will speak check with the family or synagogue leadership about time limits. Shorter is fine when lots of people want to honor the rabbi. A clear heartfelt two minute tribute can leave a stronger impression than a long unfocused speech.

Before you start writing

• Ask about the context Is this during the funeral a formal synagogue service a graveside levaya or at shiva in the home? Tone and length will change depending on the setting.
• Check with the family or synagogue Confirm whether they want mention of specific topics such as health details denominational matters or controversies. Some families prefer private grief to remain private.
• Collect memories Ask congregants staff and family for one story each. Small details like a favorite greeting a ritual habit or a teaching that stuck matter more than long lists of achievements.
• Decide the tone Will you emphasize the rabbi s scholarship pastoral care activism humor or a mix? Let the community and the family guide you.

Structure that works

Use a simple shape to hold your remarks. A clear structure helps listeners follow and gives you permission to be concise.

• Opening Say who you are and why you are speaking. A one sentence hook sets the tone.
• Life sketch Briefly summarize the rabbi s roles training and major contributions. Include rabbinic posts and notable projects.
• Anecdotes Share one to three short stories that reveal character and impact.
• Teachings and legacy Connect a memory to a lesson the rabbi taught the community.
• Closing Offer a brief farewell line invite a communal Kaddish moment or suggest an action like supporting a scholarship in the rabbi s name.

Writing the opening

The opening should be clear and steady. Start with your name your role and a line that anchors the audience.

Opening examples

• Good morning. My name is Rabbi Daniel Green and I served alongside Rabbi Cohen for eight years.
• Shalom. I am Miriam Levy a member of the education committee. I m honored to say a few words about our teacher.
• Hello. I am Noah Rosen a congregant and longtime student of Rabbi Katz. He taught me how to read my first page of Torah.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a full CV. Pick the roles that matter for your audience. Mention ordination where relevant places the rabbi served education initiatives and the qualities that defined their rabbinic approach.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] was ordained at [place or year]. He served at [synagogue name] for [number] years where he focused on pastoral care adult education and interfaith work.
• [Name] taught Torah to kids teens and adults. She started [program name] which brought senior volunteers into classrooms. She believed in practical learning and accessible text study.

Anecdotes that matter

Stories are the heart of a eulogy. Choose short specific moments that reveal the rabbi s character. A good story has a setup a small action and a line that explains why it mattered.

Examples of brief anecdotes

• When I was a teenager and terrified to lead a portion of the service he stayed late to coach me line by line. He said we learn to lead by standing in front of others and making small brave mistakes.
• Every Yom Kippur he would slip a short humor line into the sermon to remind us that repair does not mean despair. One year he told a terrible dad joke and the whole room laughed and cried at once.
• After an outreach visit to a sick congregant he wrote a poem on a napkin and left it on the bedside table. That poem is framed in so many homes now because it said the thing we needed to hear.

Addressing the rabbi s communal and pastoral role

Rabbis often hold multiple roles teacher counselor ritual leader community organizer. Be explicit about which roles you are highlighting. If your rabbi was known for bedside visits say that. If they were a public voice for social justice name a couple of causes they championed.

Example lines

• He was a pastor in the truest sense visiting the hospital every week and answering midnight texts about fear and faith.
• She built community programs that brought food and companionship to seniors and taught teenagers that Judaism is a living practice not only a memory.

Religious and liturgical considerations

Respect the liturgy. If the service includes Kaddish coordinate with the family about whether mourners will stand and who will lead. Confirm whether Hebrew prayers are expected or if a translation or explanation should be offered. If you include a Torah quote keep it short and explain why you chose it.

Note about Kaddish

Kaddish is often recited by immediate family. If you are not a mourner and you will lead or introduce Kaddish get explicit permission first. Sometimes communities prefer a cantor or rabbi to lead the prayer.

Using Hebrew phrases and explaining them

Including a Hebrew phrase can be meaningful but offer a short translation. For a millennial audience keep explanations casual and accessible. Examples:

• Zichrono livracha Means may his memory be for a blessing. Say the phrase and then explain it in one sentence.
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet Means blessed is the true judge. It is sometimes said to acknowledge God s role in mortality. Use carefully if the family prefers secular language.

Examples of eulogies you can adapt

Below are full examples. Replace bracketed text with details specific to your rabbi. Each one follows the structure described above.

Example 1: Short formal rabbinic colleague two to three minutes

Good morning. I am Rabbi Leah Bloom and I had the privilege of serving alongside Rabbi Mendel at Congregation Or Hadash for seven years. He was a scholar with an open door and a ready cup of tea for anyone who needed it. He taught Torah with fierce clarity and pastoral gentleness. I remember a winter evening when a family in crisis arrived at the synagogue at the same time as a student group. He welcomed both without blinking and set people to work offering comfort and hot soup. That blend of learning and care is what he modeled for us all. We will carry his teachings forward in our study and in our practice. May his memory be for a blessing.

Example 2: Personal congregant tribute three to four minutes

Shalom. I am Rachel Stein a member of this congregation for twenty years. Rabbi Weiss was the person who taught my son his first blessings and who came to our home after my father s funeral to hold space without speaking. My favorite memory is of his porch visits where he would listen to a story and then quietly name the teaching hidden inside. One afternoon he told me that grief is not a problem to be fixed but a river to learn to swim. That line has stayed with me. He taught us how to be a community who sits with one another and shows up. Thank you Rabbi Weiss for showing up. May your memory bring blessing and comfort to us all.

Example 3: Student leader tribute modern and candid three minutes

Hello I am Eli Navarro, a rabbinical student who found mentorship and friendship with Rabbi Sarah Cohen. She taught me how to read a text like it was telling us a secret and how to make a sermon that invites questions. She would say study is not a contest. It is an invitation to wonder. Once she stayed up all night helping me edit a drash for my first bar mitzvah and then showed up the next morning with bagels as if no one knew she had been awake the whole night. That is the kind of quiet heroic care she offered. I will try to teach like she did making room for messy questions and real people.

Example 4: For a rabbi known for social justice heartfelt and specific four to five minutes

My name is Jonah Perez. Rabbi Miriam Katz did not only preach justice she organized it. She turned sermons into local campaigns and homework into action. During the rent crisis she organized rides for people to city hall and late night conversations with those most affected. She taught Torah that named the oppressed and invited us into responsibility. One small memory is of her bringing a cooler of water and snacks to a protest and then leading a short reflection on the meaning of sacred community. She combined prophetic courage with humble sacrifice. In her memory we commit to the causes she loved and to the ordinary acts of care she taught us. May her memory be for a blessing.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates as a starting point. Fill in details then read aloud and edit for voice.

Template A classic pulpit style

My name is [Your Name]. I served with Rabbi [Last Name] at [Synagogue] for [number] years. Rabbi [Last Name] was known for [two traits]. One example of that was [brief story]. He taught us [teaching or lesson]. We will remember him for [legacy]. May his memory be for a blessing.

Template B personal congregant

Hi. I am [Your Name]. I have been part of this community since [year]. Rabbi [Last Name] came to my home when [short context] and said [line or action]. That small moment changed how I think about [topic]. Thank you for being here and for sharing your memories.

Template C short modern at shiva

Shalom. I am [Your Name]. I do not have a long speech. I want to say only that Rabbi [Last Name] showed up for us in small ways that added up to a life of service. When I think of them I will remember [short memory]. Thank you for giving us space to grieve together.

Practical tips for delivery

• Print your remarks Use large font and a backup copy. A printed sheet is more reliable than a phone if you get emotional.
• Use cue cards One or two lines per card will help you keep pace and breathe between points.
• Practice aloud Read to a friend a mirror or record yourself. Practice helps your voice find a steady rhythm when you are nervous.
• Mark pauses Note where you expect applause or tears and leave room to breathe. Pauses give listeners time to respond.
• Bring water Your throat can tighten during grief. A small glass of water can be a lifesaver.
• Know the logistics Confirm where you will stand who will introduce you and whether a microphone is available.

What to avoid when honoring a rabbi

• Avoid making the eulogy into a sermon about doctrine rather than a tribute to the person.
• Avoid airing private congregational disputes in public.
• Avoid long academic lists of publications without connecting them to real stories of impact.
• Avoid using heavy theological arguments that could alienate mourners who are not from the same tradition.

Logistics and coordination with the synagogue

• Check with the rabbi s family and synagogue leadership about who will speak and in what order.
• Confirm whether recordings will be shared and whether the family wants them private.
• Ask about a program listing your remarks so people can keep a copy.
• If the service is livestreamed know that cameras may be on you and that tone and language should respect the broad audience.

Checklist before you speak

• Confirm your time limit with the family or synagogue leadership.
• Print your speech and bring a backup.
• Practice at least twice out loud.
• Mark emotional beats and pauses in your copy.
• Coordinate Kaddish timing with the officiant if relevant.
• Bring tissues and water.

Glossary of useful terms

• Synagogue Jewish house of worship and community center.
• Shiva The seven day period of mourning observed by immediate family after burial.
• Kaddish Mourners prayer recited in services often in Aramaic and used to honor memory.
• Chevra Kadisha Burial society responsible for preparing the body according to Jewish law and custom.
• Levaya Hebrew word often used for funeral or burial service.
• Torah Central Jewish scripture and tradition often used to refer broadly to Jewish learning.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am nervous

Begin with your name and relationship to the rabbi. A short opening like Shalom my name is [Your Name] and I am a lay leader at [Synagogue] gives you a familiar sentence to anchor yourself. Practice that line until it feels natural. It will steady you when you begin.

Is it okay to include a Torah quote

Yes. Keep the quote short and offer a brief translation and explanation so people who do not read Hebrew understand why it matters. Make sure the quote connects to a personal memory or theme in your tribute.

What if the rabbi served during controversy

Be guided by the family and synagogue leadership. You can acknowledge difficulty without rehashing pain. Focus on the rabbi s care for individuals or the lessons people can carry forward rather than a blow by blow history.

Should non Jewish friends use Hebrew phrases

You can use one respectful phrase if you explain it. If you are unsure check with someone from the community first. Simplicity and sincerity work better than trying to perform ritual belonging.

Who should lead Kaddish

Immediate family members usually lead or say Kaddish. If you are not a mourner ask the family or the officiant whether they want you to lead or to introduce the prayer.

Can I include humor in a rabbi s eulogy

Yes small warm stories that show the rabbi s humanity are welcome. Avoid jokes that might seem irreverent in a religious space. Test humor with a trusted friend before you speak.