Remembering Rabbi Larry Karol: Beloved Educator, Spiritual Leader, and Voice of Jewish Music Passes Away
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rabbi Larry Karol, a cherished member of the NewCAJE community and a deeply respected figure in Jewish life and education. His loss is not only a profound personal tragedy for those who knew and loved him but also a significant moment of mourning for the wider Jewish world, where his contributions spanned decades of teaching, spiritual leadership, music, and advocacy.
Rabbi Karol was more than a rabbi—he was a teacher, a mentor, a musician, and a voice of compassion whose legacy is woven into the hearts and minds of students, colleagues, congregants, and friends across the country. His presence at NewCAJE—where Jewish educators, artists, and leaders gather to learn, teach, and grow—was a source of inspiration and wisdom. With his gentle voice, thoughtful insights, and unwavering commitment to Jewish education, Rabbi Karol helped shape generations of learners and teachers.
Throughout his career, Rabbi Karol served various communities with devotion and kindness, most recently in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he was known not just as a rabbi, but as a friend, advocate, and pillar of support. His sermons, writings, and music reflected a deep well of Jewish knowledge and a commitment to social justice, inclusion, and empathy. Whether leading a congregation through Shabbat prayers, writing original liturgy and songs, or mentoring future leaders, Rabbi Karol brought authenticity and heart to everything he did.
His music was particularly powerful—an extension of his soul. With his guitar in hand and a soft smile on his face, Rabbi Karol created sacred space through melody and message. His songs were not merely performances, but prayers made audible, helping countless individuals connect more deeply with their faith and identity. His original compositions, often featured in services and Jewish gatherings, touched lives in ways words alone could not.
To those who had the honor of working alongside him, Rabbi Karol was a model of humility, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength. He never sought the spotlight, yet his presence commanded deep respect. He listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, his words carried the weight of learning, compassion, and lived experience.
In the NewCAJE community, he was a beloved presence—someone who could bridge tradition and innovation, intellect and spirit. He was a treasured colleague and friend, and his absence will be deeply felt at every gathering, song circle, and study session to come.
As we mourn the loss of Rabbi Larry Karol, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the many lives he touched. His teachings, his melodies, his kindness, and his vision for a more compassionate and inclusive Jewish future will continue to resonate through those he taught and led.
May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by continuing to build the kind of communities he so deeply believed in—rooted in Torah, elevated by music, and guided by love and understanding.
Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet — Blessed is the True Judge.
Rabbi Larry Karol, z’’l, you will never be forgotten.