| Obituary |
LANGNER, Allan Rabbi Allan Langner was born in Europe, the son and grandson of Rabbis. He graduated with scholastic honours from the University of Toronto in 1944 and was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1948. He was accorded the title of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa in 1975. This remarkable man was Congregation Beth-El's spiritual leader from 1959 to 1989, and its Rabbi Emeritus since that time. Rabbi Langner always stressed the fact that Conservative Judaism be defined as "tradition and change," and under his spiritual leadership Congregation Beth-El was at the forefront of that interpretation. Beth-El was the first Conservative congregation to introduce family seating at its services, and to observe Shabbat morning Bat-Mitzvahs, allowing girls to read from the Torah. His ability to identify potential lay leadership among his congregants and to encourage them to take an active role in congregational and Judaic activities, set him apart as a leader and mentor. His personal involvement at all levels led his congregation to host noted clerical and political leaders, and to establish intensive community programming. Among his guests were Prime Ministers, Premiers and representatives of the Jewish Theological Seminary, at the dedication of the sanctuary. Rabbi Langner was a pillar of Congregation Beth-El. His leadership, his guidance, his enthusiasm and his wisdom were conspicuous in the development and growth of his synagogue. An Honorary Citizen of the Town of Mount Royal, a recipient of the Commemorative medal of the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, a co-founder of the Christian Jewish Dialogue of Montreal, and, most importantly, our beloved Rabbi, he will be both remembered and missed. May his family know no further sorrow. |
