Rabbi Jack Segal

Jack Segal, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, community leader, and Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Yeshurun passed away peacefully on July 7th at the age of 94. Born in Brooklyn to Bertha and Henry Segal, he was a prolific student, earning 7 degrees over the years, including a rabbinic degree, two bachelor’s degrees (physics and mathematics), two master’s degrees (counseling and psychology), and two doctorate degrees (Talmud and counseling and psychology). He met the love of his life, Toby, while serving in his first position as a rabbi in Pennsylvania. They soon married and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. Rabbi Segal then took a position as rabbi at a congregation in Portland, Oregon. There, they had their two oldest children, Jeffrey and Michael. Rabbi Segal then moved back to New York to help in the family vest business. Their daughter, Lisa, was born there. In 1965 Rabbi Segal interviewed for a position as associate rabbi at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston, Texas. It was professional love at first sight. The local community was vibrant, warm, and welcoming. Jack Segal found his professional home – for life. He later became Senior Rabbi, and ultimately Rabbi Emeritus. In Houston, their third son, Scott, was born. The family gave birth to a new child each time he received a new educational degree. After Scott was born Toby said there would be no more degrees. The family was set with four children. Jack Segal did the work of four people. He was a teacher, educator, and counselor. He was a spiritual advisor and officiated at thousands of life-cycle events including baby namings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals. He provided comfort to thousands of congregants, consoling patients in the hospital and at home, as well as to those who lost loved ones. Two events shook his natural optimism. His son, Michael, walked into an Austin convenience store while it was being robbed, and was shot in the head while paying for two dollars’ worth of gas. It wasn’t clear if Michael would survive. And if he did survive, what would his prognosis be? Over several months, Michael was nursed back to health and productivity. The community, the congregation, and Toby gave Jack the strength to tend to Michael, assisting in his rehabilitation while continuing to serve. Michael now works with patients and families affected by trauma at Ben Taub Hospital. He also works as a motivational speaker, using his experience to “Keep Hope Alive.” Next, like many Houstonians, Jack lost his house from flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. And like many Houstonians, he rebuilt his life. Rabbi Segal retired from his position as Senior Rabbi in 1996 and passed the torch to Rabbi David Rosen. Segal never slowed down, and continued to impact the lives of thousands. One prominent rabbi wrote, ”He was a Godol (giant) in his generation, and touched so many people’s lives, way beyond Houston.” While Judaism formed the foundation of his core beliefs, Rabbi Segal’s interests were much broader. He was active in the civil rights movement, and he served as a Board Member for the Foundation for Interfaith Research and Ministry for AIDS. He was a member of the Texas Head Injury Foundation and the group, Parents of Murdered Children. Not only did Rabbi Segal engage in serious endeavors, he had a fantastic sense of humor and was an active athlete. He enjoyed biking, swimming, and was even able to walk on his hands. Although Jack was a rabbi for so many, and dedicated to every member of the community, his greatest love was his family. While he loved the title rabbi, he especially loved being “Husband”, “Dad” and “Poppy.” The family wants to extend a special thanks to his excellent team of doctors, caregivers, and athletic trainer. They left no stone unturned in working to extend his final days with as much quality of life as possible. A funeral service was held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, followed by a private burial at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery. May Rabbi Segal’s memory be for a blessing.

Rabbi Jack Segal

April 18, 1929 - July 7, 2023