Our dear friend, valued Temple Shalom member, and long-time leader and mentor, Darla Newman, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 22, 2022. We all knew her death was imminent, yet when it occurred, we were shocked. A friend had reported Darla had given her roses two days before; someone else reported that on Saturday Darla had said she was having a good day. Darla provided a beautiful example of how to deal with a terminal illness and she shared with many that she had no fear of death.
Past President, Stanley Rest, called Darla “a passionate Temple Shalom leader”. She served as president and co-president, treasurer, and board member for many years. Stanley also called her “the elder statesman” who always reminded the board of policies and decisions made by the board in years past. Co-President, Toby Klein, called Darla “our fearless unofficial Temple historian”. Darla organized Temple fundraisers, like the reading of “My Father’s War” and her 70 ½ birthday party, where she matched our donations from her mandatory IRA distributions and gave the money to Temple Shalom. Darla was co-chair of Temple’s Life and Legacy program which helps members and non-members give to Temple Shalom’s future, either before or after their death.
Many of our Temple Shalom members remember Darla for her warm and welcoming nature. She had a way of making everyone feel included and valued and was known for her large Shabbat dinners for old and new Temple members alike. Stanley described Darla as “a fierce champion of so-called marginal groups, members of other religions, other denominations of Judaism, and LGTBQ+ folks.”
Darla Newman’s legacy will continue to live on in all who loved her and worked with her. She will be remembered for her love of Judaism and her connection to Jewish Renewal. Her spirit will continue to be a blessing to all.
L’Shalom,
Sharon