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Senate Resolution 302
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Parent of the 44th, Jones II of the 22nd, Jackson of the 41st,
Halpern of the 39th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2
with the passing of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman; and3
WHEREAS, Rabbi Sugarman was born in Atlanta, Georgia, a beloved son of Helene Marx4
Sugarman and Meyer Louis Sugarman; and5
WHEREAS, a graduate of Emory University, he earned his ordination from the Hebrew6
Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and served as assistant rabbi at The Temple in7
1971, later becoming senior rabbi in 1974 and rabbi emeritus in 2004; and8
WHEREAS, a compassionate and devoted leader, Rabbi Sugarman was instrumental in9
fostering interfaith dialogue, strengthening bonds between Atlanta's diverse religious10
communities, and the creation of Interfaith Atlanta, which promotes understanding, respect,11
and cooperation among different faith traditions; and12
S. R. 302
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WHEREAS, he was a champion for social justice who worked alongside civil rights leaders,
13
including the late Congressman John Lewis, to co-found the Atlanta Black Jewish Coalition14
and advocate for the renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1982; and15
WHEREAS, he further worked to support his community through the establishment of16
homeless shelters, including a shelter for homeless couples at The Temple and another for17
homeless mothers and newborns in collaboration with Reverend Joanna Adams; and18
WHEREAS, Rabbi Sugarman was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, performing one of19
the first same-sex weddings in Georgia, and he continuously fought for equality and20
inclusivity throughout his career; and21
WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife of 58 years, Barbara, and was22
blessed with two remarkable children, Lanie and Leah; and23
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman will long be24
remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who25
had the great fortune of knowing him.26
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27
join in honoring the life and memory of Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman and express their28
deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of31
Rabbi Alvin Marx Sugarman.32
S. R. 302
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