Link to full obituary

Our beloved Rabbi Emeritus and spiritual leader, Rabbi Arnie Fertig, passed away Monday afternoon, September 4, after a relatively brief, but serious illness. The loss to the Temple Beth Shalom community cannot be overstated. Rabbi Arnie saw many of us through the best and worst of times. Maybe he presided over your child’s bar/bat mitzvah or baby naming; he comforted you through the loss of a parent; he celebrated the mitzvah of your child’s wedding.

For many, he was the first face you met when you walked through the doors of our synagogue as he welcomed you in with his wide smile. Arnie Fertig was a leader, a storyteller, a scholar, a family man, and a human who cared deeply about our Temple Beth Shalom community, and Melrose at large.

We mourn his loss as a community and send our love and prayers to Gail, his sons, and the entire Fertig Family. 

His funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom at 11AM on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Shiva will be held at TBS Thursday from 6-8PM, with the Shiva minyan at 7PM, and Friday afternoon from 4-6PM with Shabbat following at 7:30 PM. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Rabbi Jessica if you need anything. 
Baruch dayan emet. May his memory be a blessing.

Emily Levine
President, Temple Beth Shalom
On behalf of the Governing Council