Rabbi.
Born at New York City in 1927 to Celia Rappaport (1898-?) and Asher Schoye Rappaport (1891-1950), he grew up with his three sisters. In 1951, he obtained his smicha—rabbinical confirmation—from Mesivta Chaim Berlin. Later that year he married Elaine Geraldine Frankel (1931-2019), with whom he went on to have four children.
He began his rabbinical career in Pennsylvania, followed by a four-year stay at a congregation in San Diego, California before becoming spiritual leader of Rosh Pina Synagogue in Winnipeg in 1967. He remained in that position until 1988, when he became Rabbi Emeritus. Under his leadership, Rosh Pina became a large and vibrant congregation and a significant force in Winnipeg’s Jewish and greater community life. As Rabbi, he was beloved and honoured by his congregants because of his humility, intellect, sense of humour, sensitivity, and understanding. He was appreciated for setting high standards for synagogue leadership, and devotion to family, friends, congregants, yiddishkeit, and the State of Israel. He fulfilled each of his important roles of Rabbi—leader, teacher, and therapist—with passion and compassion. He received a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award (1987).
Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Florida where they integrated into an active Jewish setting and made a significant contribution to the intellectual, spiritual, and social life of their new community.
He died at Delray Beach, Florida on 6 November 2009 and was buried in Eternal Light Memorial Gardens in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 14 November 2009.
Obituary [Elaine Geraldine Rappaport], Beth Israel Memorial Chapel.
“Sidney Rappaport,” Ben Leszcz Family Tree, Ancestry.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 3 August 2025
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