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.