Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 302: Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman; condolences

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Senate Resolution 302

By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Parent of the 44th, Jones II of the 22nd, Jackson of the 41st, Halpern of the 39th and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and memory of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Sugarman was born in Atlanta, Georgia, a beloved son of Helene Marx Sugarman and Meyer Louis Sugarman; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Emory University, he earned his ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and served as assistant rabbi at The Temple in 1971, later becoming senior rabbi in 1974 and rabbi emeritus in 2004; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and devoted leader, Rabbi Sugarman was instrumental in fostering interfaith dialogue, strengthening bonds between Atlanta's diverse religious communities, and the creation of Interfaith Atlanta, which promotes understanding, respect, and cooperation among different faith traditions; and

WHEREAS, he was a champion for social justice who worked alongside civil rights leaders, including the late Congressman John Lewis, to co-found the Atlanta Black Jewish Coalition and advocate for the renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1982; and

WHEREAS, he further worked to support his community through the establishment of homeless shelters, including a shelter for homeless couples at The Temple and another for homeless mothers and newborns in collaboration with Reverend Joanna Adams; and

WHEREAS, Rabbi Sugarman was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, performing one of the first same-sex weddings in Georgia, and he continuously fought for equality and inclusivity throughout his career; and

WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife of 58 years, Barbara, and was blessed with two remarkable children, Lanie and Leah; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman.