3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503

Rabbi Emerita’s Message

Messages from Rabbi Emerita Myra Soifer

Past Articles

Rabbi Emerita Myra Soifer

Rabbi Emerita Myra Soifer

AUGUST 1984 TO JUNE 2009

SEPT. 2012 TO JUNE 2013

Rabbi Emerita Myra Soifer served as Temple Sinai’s rabbi for 25 years (from August 1984 through June 2009). Prior to coming to Reno, Rabbi Soifer served as the Assistant Rabbi at Temple Sinai in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was ordained in 1978, by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rabbi Soifer’s activities at Temple Sinai in Reno included services of worship and life cycle, teaching, home and hospital visits, community lectures, and private counseling. She is the author of numerous published articles on a variety of Jewish topics.

Retired on June 30, 2009, Rabbi Soifer retains the title “Rabbi Emerita.” She has been granted life-time membership at our Temple.

Rabbi Soifer also came back to Sinai for nine months (September 2012 through June 2013) and provided full rabbinic services during our search for a permanent rabbi. She re-entered retirement on June 30, 2013.

The Travels of Rabbi Myra

Our Rabbi Emerita, Myra Soifer, is off on a several-months adventure in Mexico! She has revived her blog, Where in the World Is Myra?, first begun during her Peace Corps service in Panama, to share reflections and experiences from her journey. Over the coming months, she’ll be exploring San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, and Chapala—learning Spanish, meeting new people, and connecting with vibrant Jewish communities.

If you’d like to follow along, you can subscribe and receive her posts automatically by email at: WhereInTheWorldIsMyra.WordPress.com.

Hasta la vista!

Colorful Global map graphic.

Where in the World is Myra?

Rabbi Myra's Posts and Newsletter Articles from Years Past

Rabbi Myra Soifer reflects on Temple Sinai’s growth over the decades, the blessings of retirement, and the importance of kindness, gratitude, and shared effort in sustaining a vibrant, peaceful congregation amid challenging times.
In her final newsletter as Sinai’s rabbi, Rabbi Myra Soifer reflects on the privilege of serving, shares final updates, and warmly welcomes Rabbi Ethan Bair, encouraging the congregation’s support as they enter a new chapter.
Rabbi Myra Soifer shares 100 free 23andMe genetic scans for Temple Sinai members, offering cautions about potential implications of genetic testing, and encouraging thoughtful research, consultation, and health awareness before participating.
Rabbi Myra Soifer thanks supporters for celebrating her Vision Award, anticipates welcoming Rabbi Ethan Bair, urges attendance at upcoming B’nai Mitzvah, and invites participation in Shavuot learning, offering gratitude for spring’s beauty and blessings.
Rabbi Myra highlights “100+ Women Who Care in Washoe County,” a collective giving group uniting community members to support local nonprofits through quarterly donations and shared commitment to tzedakah.
Rabbi Myra reflects on the Blessing of Redemption, urging us to seek liberation not in a distant hereafter but through justice, love, and action in the here-and-now.