Moishe Houses Honor Rabbi Sugarman’s Legacy

On Sunday, March 22, Mem Global, the leading innovator in young adult Jewish community building, dedicated the three Atlanta Moishe Houses in memory of Rabbi Alvin M. Sugarman z”l, made possible through the support of the Marcus Foundation. During this intimate gathering at the Moishe House in Toco Hills, attendees celebrated the extraordinary impact Rabbi Sugarman had on Jewish life in Atlanta, Santa Barbara and beyond, including the pivotal role he played in bringing Moishe House to Atlanta in 2013. The Atlanta Moishe House community quite literally exists because Rabbi Sugarman believed it could, and current Moishe House residents, alumni, community partners, and members of the Sugarman family enjoyed an evening filled with reflection and gratitude.

The program included a moving tribute to Rabbi Sugarman’s decades of leadership at The Temple, his pioneering work in inclusion and interfaith partnership, and his vision for nurturing the Jewish future. Speakers shared personal stories about the ways Rabbi Sugarman shaped their lives, with special reflections from Mem Global Founder & CEO, David Cygielman, Moishe House residents and community members, and tribute videos from people across the country who were connected to both Mem Global and Rabbi Sugarman.

A particularly meaningful moment came when Jacqueline Morris, granddaughter of Bernie Marcus z”l and a past participant in the Moishe House community, shared her own connection to Rabbi Sugarman and the Sugarman family. She recalled how he officiated her baby naming but had retired before her bat mitzvah, so she was deeply moved when Rabbi Peter Berg invited Rabbi Sugarman to join him under the chuppah at her wedding, held at The Temple in 2023.

In addition to a plaque dedication, the evening marked the launch of the new Rabbi Alvin M. Sugarman z”l Jewish Learning Series, which will rotate monthly through the three Atlanta Moishe Houses. The Moishe House residents will select the topics and partner with local rabbis to lead discussions and learning sessions for young adults across Atlanta. This initiative brings Rabbi Sugarman’s love of Torah, curiosity, and inclusive Jewish community to life.

The night concluded with the unveiling of the dedication plaque and a heartfelt reminder of Rabbi Sugarman’s guiding words from our sacred texts: veyehe bracha, “Be thou a blessing.”

Through the young adults who will continue to gather, learn, lead and build Jewish community in these Moishe Houses, which now bear his name, Rabbi Sugarman’s blessing continues for future generations.