ADL’s Southwest Region mourns the passing of Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Samuel Karff, a treasured member of ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect. Rabbi Karff passed away on August 15.  He also was known, along with Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Reverend William Lawson as one of Houston’s “Three Amigos,” who together and individually dedicated their lives to promoting social justice, love and respect.

“Known for his keen insight, gentle wisdom and spiritual intellect, Rabbi Karff leaves a legacy of healing our divisions, restoring faith in ourselves, and asking questions that provoked positive change,” said ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark B. Toubin.

Our thoughts are with Rabbi Karff’s family, and Congregation Beth Israel, where he served as Senior Rabbi for twenty years; particularly Rabbi David Lyon, a fellow Coalition member and the Congregation’s current Senior Rabbi.

May his memory, left behind not only in sermons, books and video, but in his awesome deeds of kindness, inspire us all.