Peter Knobel Obituary

I can attest to the influence Rabbi Knobel had on me to take Judaism very seriously and not only as a cultural appendage when I was a teenager in New London in the 70s, and our family was affiliated with Temple Emanuel. I became Orthodox some 10 years later after college, and it was due in no small measure to my association with Rabbi Knobel. In fact I guess I could attribute my opposition to religious inertia in my own life to his influence. And yes, I too babysat for Jeremy and Seth as well.:-) Deepest condolences to the whole family and Mrs. Knobel, of whom I and my family also share fond memories.

Peter was our family's rabbi for over 20 years. My son Sam described him in one word - he said "Rabbi Knobel was a legend". That he was, but he was also an incredible mensch, teacher and an inspiration - professionally and personally. He was my teacher for many years as I spent Friday mornings studying Talmud with Peter and a small group of dedicated learners. Peter was the class. His insights, knowledge, anecdotes and humor brought the Talmud to life and enriched everyone in the class. I will miss Friday mornings and I will deeply miss my teacher and friend. May his memory be for a blessing.

I had the good fortune to know Rabbi Knobel and though our paths did not cross often, I derived great comfort knowing a person of his character and spirit was out in the world, and while his physical being is gone, his spirit and teachings continue. My thoughts go out to his family. He will be missed.

We will always think of Peter playing Zim Zam in our back yard with our children. A good friend. Anne

On behalf of Hamilton College's Class of 1964, of which Peter was a much respected member, I would add our sadness at his passing.
Richard Pfau, Class President

During Peter's brief time at TIOH i did go out of my way to exchange thoughts on the Parsha's of the day. Some his answers were quite sweet how he let me know the deeper and often not talked about events that took place. Peter was always very welcoming, sincere and did have good answers to my questions. I also hand a very sweet talk with Elaine and did enjoy hearing some little personal things about Peter. There was not enough time to and that is the sad thing for me.. I know more would have been shared that would have enriched my Jewish lift.

He married me and my husband Mike in 1999. During the ceremony, he added his own personal observations of what he saw in our relationship when he was counseling us pre-marriage. It was so beautiful. My husband and I have always said that he was what you would think a rabbi would be: kind, compassionate. Intelligent. Insightful as well as having a great sense of humor. He was just a terrific person and human being that will be greatly missed by more people than he might have imagined. We believe that if there were more human beings like Rabbi Peter Knobel, our world would be a much better place to live. You will surely be missed by us.

My sister Debby called last night to tell me of Peter's passing. I remember Elaine & Peter's kindness when I attended Connecticut College in the late 1970s and babysat for Seth & Jeremy, and, over the years, reconnecting sporadically when visiting Chicago, then getting to reconnect with both Peter & Elaine on Facebook. Mom loved and respected Peter too, and she was a tough audience when it came to All Things Rabbinic. Although I hadn't spoken to him for years, knowing he was just down the road in Evanston was a small and quiet comfort. May all who loved him be comforted, and special love to Elaine.

Deepest condolences to the wonderful Knobel family and to the community that Reb Knobel served so well.
--Nick Pullia

Our sincere condolences to the entire Knobel family.

David and Tanya Solomon

Dear Knobel Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Greg and LilaRay Goldsmith

So sorry for this profound family loss. May his memory be for a blessing

Jeremy Knobel...Jeremy... Please accept the sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family on the loss of your father from my entire family.May he Rest in Peace.
Herb Caplan and Family

Rabbi Peter Knobel was a deeply thoughtful, learned, passionate, and loving Jew. His calling and legacy were to be a leader of congregations and of movements, and to represent and reflect a distinct epoch in Jewish life.

In many ways his ethosthe reason, rationalism and ethics of the post-Enlightenment Jewish world epitomized what it meant to be a Reform Jew.

Rabbi Knobel, a centered and wise man, also was imbued with love, grace, and wisdom.

I once told him that the feeling of love on the bimah between Peter and his colleagues was a thing of exceptional beauty, which motivated me to participate, to pray, and to find community during his tenure.

He was the Rabbi for my son and daughters bnei mitzvot and was one of my professors at Spertus. He lectured coherently and succinctly and had the stamina to do so for three hours at a stretch. He gave ear and good counsel, held my professional concerns in confidence, and treated my ideas with respect.

With Rabbi Knobels passing Jewish communities near and far take stock of his life and leadership and mourn his passing. As an ethical thought leader of Reform Judaism, his compassion for Jews of all orientations animated him to activism; his name always will be associated with a warm and learned way to secure inclusion.

Peter was one of the finest of his generation. All who knew him feel great loss at his passing.