Rabbi
Jack and Michael Jordan Segal
Rabbi Jack
Segal, a graduate of
New York University, University of Pittsburgh, and Oregon
State University received a doctorate from Hebrew Union
College in Talmud and another from the University of
Houston in Counseling. For over 31 years he was the Rabbi of
Congregation Beth Yeshurun, the largest Conservative synagogue
in the United States. He is presently the Rabbi Emeritus.
When his son,
Michael, was shot and almost killed his theological anchors
and foundation stones feel apart. His own flesh and blood, for
no reason at all, had been attacked and almost murdered when
he walked into a convenience store robbery. However, Rabbi
Segal once again found the meaning of "hope," the
principle of "Never Give In; Never Give up," and was
reminded of the concept of the strength of faith from an
"unexpected" source.
After his injury, Michael,
had to drop out of college to go to a rehabilitation hospital
in Houston, where he relearned to walk, talk, and do so many
small things that many people take for granted. After eighteen
months he returned to college, due in large part to the love
and support of his family. Even though he has limitations,
Michael graduated at the top of his class from the University
of Texas, married his high school sweetheart, finished
graduate shool, and together with his wife, Sharon, had a
child.
Rabbi Segal and Michael
speak about the principle of "never give in; Never give
up" by citing many examples from their personal
lives--stories that captivate and entertain audiences and
enthrall those who hear them speak.
More about
Rabbi Segal
Rabbi Segal is the
Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. He came to the
synagogue in 1965 as Associate Rabbi to Rabbi William S. Malev
for eight years, then as Senior Rabbi of the congregation for
23 years until he retired in August 1996. Prior to coming to
Houston, Rabbi Segal held rabbinical positions in Homestead
and McKeesport, Pennsylvania and in Portland, Oregon.
Rabbi Segal was
ordained a Rabbi at Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin in 1954. Prior
to that, he earned undergraduate degrees in Physics and
Mathematics at New York University and the University of
Pittsburgh, respectively; and advanced degrees at Oregon State
University, Hebrew Union College, and the University of
Houston.
Rabbi Segal has
published widely and lectured at numerous universities and
colleges, including most recently Rice University, St. Thomas
University, University of Houston and the University of Texas
at Austin.
Rabbi Segal is a
member of Sigma Pi Sigma, Beta Beta Beta, Phi Delta Kappa, the
American Psychological Society, National Council of Family
Relations, and other organizations. He is a member of the
Rabbinical Assembly (the international association of
Conservative rabbis,) and served on its Committee on Law and
Standards.
Speaking
Topics
|
Michael
"Keep
Hope Alive"
"Never Say Quit"
"In The Blink Of An
Eye"
Rabbi Segal and Michael
"Never
Give In; Never Give Up"
"Attitude
and Power of Prayer"
"God,
Where Were You?"
|
Rabbi Jack
Segal
"Is
Prayer Of Any Value In Achieving Good Health?"
"The 10 Commandments For A
Happy, Loving, Successful, And 'Electric' Marriage"
"What Does It Mean To Be A
'Jew'?"
"Focus On The Bagel, Not On
The Hole: (The Importance of Having A Positive and Optimistic Attitude)
"The History Of
Anti-Semitism"
"Why Is There So Much Pain
In This World That Afflicts So Many"
|