Open Doors and an Open Heart ACTIVELY SENIOR
Rabbi Richard Safran reflects on a blessed career and life By Michelle Talsma Everson
Rabbi Safram with the Handmaker walking club.
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hen you talk to Rabbi Richard Safran, it’s obvious from the light in his eyes and the gratitude weaved throughout his stories that he has lived a blessed life— and that he continues to bless others every day. “It’s been a wonderful life. I’ve been able to travel and serve congregations both big and small,” Rabbi Safran says. “It’s been awesome, and I’ve seen God in all forms.” 34
MARCH/APRIL 2020 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
A resident at Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging’s senior living center in Tucson, Rabbi Safran is an intricate part of the Handmaker community. He’s the person that other residents go to for advice (whether Jewish-related or not) and he performs the Shabbat blessing at the Shabbat dinners every week. He served as the Tucson Jewish Community’s chaplain for many years, visiting with Handmaker and other members in the community who were ill, before training the next PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANDMAKER JEWISH SERVICES
