PLOTKIN, Albert (Rabbi)

The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Tuesday, February 9, 2010 Rabbi Albert Plotkin 1921 - 2010 Rabbi Albert Plotkin, a leader in the Phoenix Jewish and interfaith communities, and founding rabbi of the local Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, of a heart attack at age 89. Rabbi Plotkin was an inspiring speaker, champion of civil rights, avid art collector, and the main impetus for the creation of the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, housed in the building of Phoenix' first synagogue. It was hoped that he would be present at the formal opening later this year, but at least he was able to view the renovated building recently, a point of great pride and joy for him. Plotkin served as Congregation Beth Israel's spiritual leader in Scottsdale from 1955 through the early 1990s, when we became Rabbi Emeritus. During his travels with his beloved wife Sylvia, who died several years ago, he collected an impressive collection that became the basis of the Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum, housed at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale. He did not remain retired for long, but answered the invitation to serve as spiritual leader for the newly formed congregation in Sedona. He served as rabbi of the JCSVV from 1991 until 2005. He encouraged the building of the synagogue, which was dedicated in 2004. The Sanctuary is named the Rabbi Albert and Sylvia Plotkin Sanctuary in his honor. When Rabbi Magal was hired to serve as full-time rabbi for the congregation, he kept up his warm connection with the congregation. He developed the Jewish Studies Program at Arizona State University. Rabbi Plotkin was a community rabbi, active in interfaith programs, and supportive of the arts. He continued writing books, lecturing, and acting as Rabbi Emeritus, both in Phoenix and Sedona He had a stirring speaking and singing voice, and always ended his sermons with the Biblical phrase, "Hazak v'Amatz - Be strong and of great courage" the empowering words spoken by Moses to Joshua. "He was a light on the horizon of several generations. That light is not extinguished, but lives on in the thousands he served and counseled, and in his books and teachings," commented Rabbi Magal. A funeral was held on Friday, Feb. 5, at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale. A memorial service celebrating his life was held at the JCSVV on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the synagogue in Sedona. Donations in his memory may be made to the JCSVV. Information provided by Rabbi Alicia Magal, current Rabbi of the JCSVV