A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 5/10/19

I first met Angela Gold ten years ago when she came to Temple to lead music. We quickly discovered we had a special bond tracing back to Denver. For a number of years she was a soloist at Temple Sinai, the same synagogue where I served as Associate Rabbi before her arrival. Often when Angela and I were together, we enjoyed kibitzing about mutual friends of ours back in Colorado.

Angela had many friends not only in Denver but literally around the world. It is easy to see why. She was a beautiful soul, blessed with a warm heart, a ready smile, and a keen wit. She loved people, music, travel, and making jewelry. She was proudly Jewish, deeply rooted in the Reform Movement and yet profoundly linked to Jews regardless of affiliation.

Over the past decade, Angela was present for many events at Temple Beth Torah: Shabbat services, B’nei Mitzvah, and Women Seders. Years ago she confided in me that she had brain cancer, first diagnosed in 2002. She was very private about her condition because she did not want people to pity her.

I recall the last few times she sang at Temple, how debilitated she felt. She had a friend drive her to TBT and Angela managed to strum her guitar and sing. But as her health deteriorated, she had to return home to St. Louis.

If there is one blessing I can express about Angela, even in the face of the enormous sadness I feel at her passing at the age of 43, it is that in the final months of her life, she was surrounded by love. Her mother’s devotion, her sister’s care, and the heartfelt support she received from friends provided her comfort and even laughter.

We will miss Angela’s spirit, her joy in living, and her courage in facing a daunting illness.

May her soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.