The world and I awoke on Wednesday, January 20, the 10th day of Shevat, to the devastating news that Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald was gone. Impossible to imagine, since for so many and for so long, the world was so often supported and sustained by Ronnie’s strength, compassion and benevolence.
Ronnie was a champion of the human spirit, a man who always sought out truth, goodness and decency. He was passionate about helping his fellow Jew; he was an activist, as askan, a resourceful and sagacious freedom fighter, an educator, an innovator, a community organizer, an amazing camp director and a great machanayim player. Moscow and Mountaindale were equally important; if a life needed to be rescued, no matter the age, no matter the situation, Ronnie was on the job. And always with a quip and a smile that veiled his focus and determination.
Ronnie and I always joked about the fact that first and foremost, I was the dance counselor (of Camp Sternberg) and then the psychologist. “What’s with all those big fancy words — what does that all mean?” he would joke. “You’re a dance counselor!” Yet when Ronnie would call me to discuss a clinical situation or to refer a young boy or girl for treatment, the discussion would be serious and respectful. Ronnie’s clinical acumen was always spot on and always coupled with exquisite empathic attunement. Ronnie’s tone would soften; you could feel his understanding and compassion. And you could never say no to his requests.
In reading some of the tributes to Ronnie’s amazing life, I was astounded by the number of organizations that he had either founded or was very closely connected to: JBFCS, Women’s League, Head Start, The Monsey Academy for Girls, Camp Sternberg, NCSY, The Orthodox Union, to name a few.
And then, of course, NEFESH International.
Ronnie’s presence and involvement in NEFESH International, particularly at our annual conferences, was nothing short of inspirational. Ronnie would often participate on panels, sharing his wisdom and ideas, and would always be available to speak to people who would come by to gain from his knowledge and experience. Ronnie was always one of our keynote speakers over Shabbos. His talks, either at the Friday night or Shabbos day seudos, were thought-provoking, rousing, stimulating, moving and encouraging. One year, he read us the suicide note of a young woman. We were all in tears as we heard Ronnie’s voice break while he read the note. Other times, Ronnie’s talks would be healing, soothing, heartening. And yet at other times, he would have the audience roaring with laughter — and some confusion — as he spoke in his now famous “double talk.” You were never quite sure what mood Ronnie would set when he got up to speak, but no matter — he would never disappoint.
Ronnie’s message was always about finding acceptance — in ourselves and in others. Find acceptance in your heart for the youth at-risk or off the derech, for the traumatized or challenged, for our own vulnerability, for loss and mourning. How fitting it is that the theme of this edition of Mind, Body and Soul is entitled “Finding Acceptance.”
Ronnie’s incredible family legacy is testimony to his greatness. His quintessential aishes chayil and deeply beloved wife, Miriam, and his 6 outstanding children — all masterful educators and leaders in their own right — and their children and grandchildren, continue Ronnie’s mission of helping, teaching and healing.
This past December, at our last NEFESH Conference, I had the extraordinary honor and privilege, the great zchus, to introduce Ronnie before he spoke on Friday night. I spoke of our connection and of his inspirational accomplishments. I referred to him as my “idealized object” (a psychoanalytic term referring to one who is seen as all good, perfect, someone to aspire to) – and I meant it. I ended by saying, “He is Legend, he is Inspiration, he is Rabbi Ronald Greenwald.” Ronnie was pleased with my introduction; for the rest of the weekend, he would give me a warm smile each time he saw me to express his appreciation. Words weren’t necessary; Ronnie and I understood each other. I’m so glad I had that incredible opportunity.
May Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald’s neshama have countless aliyos.
Yehi Zichro Baruch.