Expect Mecklenburger to go, just not quietly

At 69, Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger has led Fort Worth’s Beth-El Congregation for 32 years. By nature, he has long been a powerful presence in the city’s larger faith community, never shy about pushing for the common good of people of all races, cultures and religions.

That’s why it’s impossible to see Mecklenburger settling into a rocking chair after he retires and becomes Beth-El’s rabbi emeritus this summer. Not that there’s anything wrong with rocking chairs, but sedentary life doesn’t seem to be his style.

“Rabbi Mecklenburger lives his faith in the public square, and as a faith leader, he is willing to address key issues that are important to our community,” Multicultural Alliance President Cheryl Kimberling told Star-Telegram reporter Nicholas Sakelaris.

Mayor Betsy Price agreed: “He’s been a jewel for the community.”

Mecklenburger will keep an office at Beth-El and says he plans to travel, spend time with his family and write. (From time to time, he has written guest opinion columns for the Star-Telegram, which he’s welcome to do more often in retirement.)

His replacement at Beth-El will be Rabbi Brian Zimmerman, a regional director for the Union for Reform Judaism.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Expect Mecklenburger to go, just not quietly."