Rabbi Caplan’s Guestbook

Micah - You were truly one of the most selfless people we have known. You gave fully of yourself to your community and congregants like no other. Our family deeply valued you and your perspective and teachings, and each of our children had a special, growth experience training with you for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. You will be missed sorely and our deepest condolences go to the Caplan family.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Micah whom we knew as a child growing up in Scottsdale. We watched as his father lead our Synagogue as Cantor. We could see how much interest Micah had in Judaism. We remember Tina telling us how he would set up his stuffed animals and gave a sermon. Our oldest son, Mitchell, and middle son, Jerimya, grew up with Micah and Joshua. Through synagogue, Camp Ramah, Camp Pearlstein, USY and Youth Chorale they shared wonderful experiences and friendship. May Micah’s memory be a blessing.

Micah, Thank you for being who you were and for the kindness you showed me. It was wonderful watching you triple the size of your congregation and showing me what is possible. Rest in peace knowing that you have made a major impact on so many. Ben

Sheila and I send our heartfelt sympathies and love to Micha's family. He was a very knowledgeable Rabbi but, most importantly a menasch We missed him when he left Bet Shira and his innate kindness. Please know that he will be missed greatly.

We were fortunate to have known Micah from the beginning when he interviewed to be our spiritual leader. His dedication to our congregation amazed us as he transformed our small congregation into one of 450+ families. He showered us with attention to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and get well wishes...as we imagine he did for every member. He also helped me (Ellie) through the rough times as my mother aged and, finally, when she passed on January 15 this year. Even when his health declined, he was always other-centered and maintained a positive outlook. Micah has a magnificent soul, and we feel blessed to have been touched by him.

I posted this earlier in the week on Facebook, but added one other story: There's really not much more that I can say about Micah Caplan that hasn't already been said on Facebook these last few days. We all know how much this charismatic, larger-than-life presence affected and touched us. I first met Micah over Memorial Day Weekend in 1990 at Far West USY's Regional Convention at the Pointe South Mountain Resort in AZ. It was late at night and someone decided it would be fair for me to guard him in a 3 on 3 basketball game. I’m guessing Micah was well over 6 feet at the time, and with me standing as tall as possible at 5’5-3/4”, I can honestly say that I never got a shot off! But Micah being Micah, he was so very kind about it. It was clear in that moment that his stature was not physical, but was instead relational. Following the game, I remember our lively conversation comparing his Phoenix Suns to my Boston Celtics. We were both wearing our team's shirts and Micah knew he had the winning argument that year (not a good one for my team). After that, we became fast friends. We spent many summers together at Camp Ramah, and some of us will never be able to shake the image of him walking half naked across the boy’s shetach after Shabbos showers!. He taught me beautiful new z’mirot melodies on Friday night, and every Saturday afternoon he sang bass in our Mincha 5 a cappella group. He always knew when to be boisterous and when to be gentle. Several years later, when Micah became Youth Director for Shomrei Torah USY, I felt priviledged to join him as his Jr./Sr. Advisor. Although he was a few years younger, in those many hours we spent working together, he really became a great mentor. At that point early in his career, we all could see that the combination of his leadership, passion, compassion, and his goofy (and sometimes let’s say uncivilized) sense of humor was the beginning of something special for the many communities with whom he would eventually work. One very funny (and gross) story I just recalled happened on a night out at Ramah when Micah, myself and a few other staff went into town. Besides Carrows, one of our favorite places to eat late at night was Dominos Pizza. On one of these nights, we ordered a pizza and we would eat it in the parking lot because we weren't allowed to bring it into camp. Well someone had put the pizza box on the hood of the car we drove in. Whoever that was, they put the box on the car in a precarious manner and it fell to the ground, with the last few pieces of pizza falling out and landing in the oil grease of the parking spot next to ours. Without missing a beat, Micah picks the remaining pieces of pizza up, "says 10 second rule" with a mischievous grin on his face, and proceeds to eat them. It was one of the funniest and most disgusting things we had ever seen a human do. But that was the Micah we all knew and loved! I will miss my good friend of so many years. I feel blessed to have known this giant of a man and am saddened that he is gone. Zichrona l’vracha.

We are heartbroken and devastated. Gone way too young, Micah had so much to live for, so many adventures left to experience. When he and his family moved to Scottsdale to assume the pulpit of Congregation Or Chadash, our lives changed forever. Conservative Judaism in Scottsdale had a resurgence and all of the sudden joining a synagogue was the “in” thing to do. Micah brought with him sometimes wacky, out-of-the-box ideas that drew people to him and to synagogue engagement. Blessing of the Pets in conjunction with Parsha Noah every year, Tallis making for B’nai Mitzvah kids, and congregational Star Wars movie screenings are just a few of the innovations he implemented in order to bring people in. He loved everyone for who they were, regardless of skin color, religion, sexual orientation. We are so appreciative that Nora and then Sadie’s B’not Mitzvahs were unique and profoundly meaningful. And his ties matched our colors. We loved Micah’s “Girls Can Do Anything” affirming Or Chadash and then Or Tzion’s position as a truly egalitarian synagogue. Sharing our love of Camp Ramah, it was so fun to spend time with Micah at camp during his Rabbi-in-Residence week. He LOVED that week back at camp and probably counted down the days until he could return each year, just like our kids do for the first day of camp. Dear Brianah, Julia and Avi: Thank you for sharing your dad with us. He loved you all so and was over-the-moon proud of each of you. It has been amazing to watch the three of you grow-up. We won’t stop caring and we will be rooting for you always, as you work to achieve your dreams. Gabi: We were supposed to have time as a foursome to laugh, relax and just be. This is bitterly unfair. Thank you for loving him so much. Michelle: Sending you strength as you move into this new reality with your kids. Tina, Murray and the rest of the family: We weep, we mourn, we cry with you. Rabbi Micah Caplan was our dear dear friend and the real deal. A light has really really gone out and we will carry him in our hearts forever.

We have lost a very precious commodity – a dedicated Dodger fan. Although we were a generation apart, Micah and I shared a love for “Dem Bums”, his from his LA roots, and me from my Brooklyn birthplace. Micah knew everything about their colorful history, from the origin of Dodger Blue to the hiring of the first black Major League player. Every spring training, after LA moved to AZ, we would go to a game, sometimes including Avi, and even my own son, Sam. And, we tried to go to a Diamondbacks-Dodger game in mid-season, whenever our busy schedules permitted. Dodger lore often permeated Micah’s thinking and words – references appear in many of his D’var Torat and sermons. He often emphasized their misfortunes, to illustrate the need for us to persevere in times of strife. And he used their heroics to inspire our own efforts to succeed. During a spring training game, an all-star Dodger player was struck on the wrist by an errant pitch. As he walked off the field, holding his injured arm, Avi, Micah and I stood up, clapped and cheered him. Micah yelled, “we’ll pray for you.” I will always wonder what that small-town mid-western Christian player thought about when he glanced at the three Jews, two with kippot, cheering him on. For the last few years, I became the “Zochreinu guy” singing that prayer along with our talented cantors during High Holidays. At my first appearance, I thought you could hear my knees knocking at the back of the gym over the murmurs of 1,000 congregants. Micah whispered to me – “How would Clayton Kershaw do when the chips are down?” referencing the Dodger pitching star. I performed and survived; as I was leaving the bimah, Micah patted me on the back and said, “Kershaw would be proud!” That was Micah, finding the links that connected with everyone he met, and making everyone a part of his Kehillat Kedusha.

We watched Micah and our son Michael grow up together and knew they were destined for great success. We are proud of Micca's achievements and see him as an extension if his dad who was a Pied Piper for all the children he interacted with. We know, together again, they are a powerful force for love and good and sharing affecting all of us.

Micah, you had that rare quality to be totally present for them, connect in an authentic manner, and to lead all of us to be our better self. You will be missed, my friend, by your family, synagogue, family, community and the world. My sincere and deep condolences to the entire family. May his memory always be for a blessing.

It's hard to put into words just how much Micah Caplan meant to me. He was a person that I would do anything for, whether that be watching his cat even though I don't like cats, picking up his prescriptions for him on one of my regular target runs, or dropping his wallet off at his house on the many occasions he left it at shul. I am so grateful for the five years that I got to spend working with him and am a better person for having known him.

I am struggling terribly, because there are just no words to describe my shock and sadness at the loss of Micah Caplan. During his 5 years as Rabbi of Bet Shira Congregation, I was one of many who called him Rabbi, teacher and friend. I can still see his beautiful smile, and hear his joyous laugh. Over these last years, I always knew that I could call him, and I frequently did. He was so proud of his work, and so invested in his relationships. This is truly a loss, for all of us. My heart goes out to his family and friends. May they find some comfort in their many memories. And Micah’s name WILL always be remembered for a blessing.

Condolences to Rabbi Micah Caplan’s’ family. I am so saddened by Rabbi Caplan’s’ death. We met during the merger of Har Zion & Or Chadash in 2014 as I worked for Har Zion; then was hired with Or Tzion. He was so gentle, loving, approachable, and easy to talk with. Being non-Jewish; he taught me so much about the Jewish life, religion, and included me in Jewish holidays to where I fell in love with the Jewish faith. The last time we talked via text was his birthday. In my heart, Rabbi Caplan has a special place.

Our conversations will never be forgotten. You're a wonderful human being. Thank you for everything you've done. Miss you!

Our love and prayers go out to the entire Caplan family. He touched so many lives and we are deeply saddened.

We have known Micah since we were kids - at Valley Jewish Day School, Camp Ramah, USY - and we have always known what a special person he was. When we moved back to Arizona 11 years ago we were thrilled to learn that our childhood friend, now Rabbi Caplan, would become our Rabbi at Or Chadash. At the time, we were beginning our new life with our first baby girl, Michelle, and he was beginning his own new life as our Rabbi. It seems like just yesterday that we had Rabbi Caplan over for dinner and spoke of all of the great things that the future had in store. Over the 11 years that followed, so much has transpired in our lives, and Rabbi Caplan has been there, holding our hands, during every important moment, genuinely living our ups and downs with us, giving everything, and asking for nothing in return. Call him a Tzadik, call him a Mensch, but neither really seems to hit the mark - he was Micah, and there will never be another like him. Now, as the five of us move forward in our lives without Rabbi Caplan, it is hard to imagine experiencing life’s important moments without him. It is also hard to imagine many of the small moments - not being able to text him a question, hear his funny jokes at school, see his massive smile at Kiddush lunch after services, and countless other examples of when his absence will be so deeply felt. But we know that while we may not be able to see or hear him, in the big or small moments, that he is always here with us. To Gabi, Brianna, Julia, Avi, Tina, Murray, and Josh, we extend our deepest condolences, and we thank you for sharing this incredible person with us. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to make sure that this community that Rabbi Caplan built remains strong, vibrant, and true to his legacy. We hold a special place in our hearts for you, Micah, and you will always be a part of our family. We are so grateful for everything that you have so selflessly shared with us. We miss you and love you. Rest In Peace.

As Office Administrator, I worked with Rabbi Caplan from the day he arrived to start working at Or Chadash, a total of ten years working together. I learned so much just by his example. "Take the high road," he would tell me when I voiced some frustration at work. I recall one member came in to tell us he was resigning. Rabbi asked him, "Why?" He replied, "I don't see the need; the only time you need a rabbi is when someone dies," and he left. Five or more years went by until we heard from him again. He called, wanting to meet with Rabbi about some family problem he was having. I asked Micah if he was going to give some of his valuable time to this non-member. Answer: Yes. Micah took the high road, met with the guy, putting aside the ex-member's chutzpah to even ask for this favor.

We have known Micah since he was ten years old. We had a special relationship with him as he had with us. He leaves a personal and spiritual void and will truly be missed. Our condolences to the Caplan family.

A leader has left us...

There are no words to describe the sadness we feel. Rabbi Caplan will always be an inspiration to our community. Our thoughts are with the family.

It has been over 20 years that our congrgation hired a rabbinic student Micah Caplan. During his six- month tenure, he conducted services as well as giving lectures and detailed Parshas of the week. I was privileged to conduct a baby- naming service for Brianah. The Rabbi was very special and will forever be part of my soul.

I met Rabbi Caplan before my wedding in 2012. I could tell from our first conversation that he was a warm and generous person. He genuinely cared about me and my wife without really knowing much about us. He lead our wedding, my daughter's baby naming and my father's funeral. He was important to my family and we all looked forward to having him involved in other family functions. Rabbi Caplan will be sorely missed and his memory will always be a blessing.

We grieve with the community at the untimely loss of Rabbi Micah Caplan. His kindness, compassion and generosity touched so many and enriched our community in countless ways. We were blessed to have him among us, and may his memory be for a blessing,

Micah, you have changed our lives in ways we can't even express. You were there for us through so much and always supported us, no matter what. You made time for us when we needed you. You listened, you advised, you always knew just what to say. I am so blessed to have had so many opportunities to learn with you. I learned so much about Judaism, but also what it means to live a Jewish life. You helped us be better. You are also one of the people who helped Josh to be so successful at his Bar Mitzvah. Your willingness to learn about him and understand what he needed means so much to us. Thank you is not enough. Rest now, we will carry on your message.

Micah, you were my USYer at CBK for a year or two and you made a lasting impression. You were thoughtful, caring, and seemed so very wide-eyed to the world that awaited you. How awesome is it to make such an impact on so many lives? Thank you for being in mine and for reminding me how important it is to live a righteous life. Kind of funny that almost 30 years ago I was entrusted with the duty of being a positive influence on you and now you have returned the favor. Thank you, Rabbi. Rest easy Micah. You did good, Kid! Danny

I was the president at Bet Shira at the time when we found Rabbi Caplan. Micah and I instantly connected and developed a bond that I have deeply cherished over the years. Micah was my Rabbi, my friend and my confidant, We walked to shul each Shabbat morning engaged in deep discussions about family, synagogue, world events and life. He taught me Torah and made me a better person. He made me a fan of the Sun Devils and I made him a Florida Gator fan. Micah was truly "called" to be a Rabbi. This was his passion--his life long work. He spread love and words of Torah to so many. He was one of the most caring souls that this world has ever seen. He was the most self-less person I have ever known. I will miss him so. I suspect that he was taken from us because God has much bigger plans for this incredible man; we will all undoubtedly be the beneficiaries of this great plan. I will always feels Micah's presence and be reminded of his teachings. My prayer is that his family feel some measure of comfort knowing the impact that this Tzadik, Micah Caplan, had on so many lives.

Micah's legacy lives on through the lives of every person he touched, and the world will forever be a better place because of him. We are blessed to be among the privileged people who experienced his genuine kindness, warmth, and loving heart.

I'm so heartbroken to hear about Rabbi Micah's sudden passing. He was so full of life and love as our rabbi at Shaarei Torah. I remember Brianna as a little toddler and was so moved to see her so grown at the zoom ceremony today. He inspired me to join my first synagogue back then and officiated so beautifully at my wedding at Zuma beach. We got so many compliments on the ceremony, that nobody could believe it was only his 8th wedding. He was truly born to lead and join and inspire in that way. My deepest condolences to the family and the Or Tzion community.

The Tuckman’s mourn the passing of Micah Caplan who was Ellen’s Har Zion Torah tots student and Or Tzion employer. May his memory be a blessing to his family. He was a kind and caring friend, student and employer.

How heartbroken we are on the loss and f this incredible Rabbi. He was in Miami for 5 short years but left a wonderful legacy of learning and appreciation of all that Judaism can offer. His Melton class was greatly admired. His love of the Dodgers and the Suns was legendary. But his love of all humanity was far greater. He will live on in our thoughts. Our heartfelt condolences to his children and family. Brianna’s eulogy was heartwarming and she too will be an incredible Rabbi.

As a Christian pastor, the first thing I learned at a young age, was from where my roots were planted. To that end, I have had Jewish mentors over the years, to help guide me in my quest to understand...I met Rabbi Caplan, through the family of my most recent mentor... Rabbi Caplan as he was prone to do, spent time talking of the history and basis of his faith. He and I would talk frequently, and I realized what a prize catch he was for you all. I will miss him, honor his memory and appreciate the time all of you shared him with me...thank you, thanks to Rabbi, and blessings and peace be with you all.

Rabbi Caplan was very helpful when my husband passed away. He is always been a friend and great spiritual leader. I was so happy to hear from him only days before he passed away. He seemed upbeat and he said he would call soon again. I will miss him. May he rest in peace. May his family remember all the great things that they did together.

To Rabbi Caplan’s family, friends, and congregation, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. May his memory be for a blessing.

Micah, you made the world a better place.

We are so saddened by the loss of such a good teacher, friend and rabbi. Micah was an incredible human being- a true mench. My family’s heart goes out to the Caplan family with sincerest sympathy. May Micah’s memory be a blessing. He will greatly be missed.

One of the kindest and most sincere people I met, I’m so happy I got to meet him and learn more about Judaism from him, no matter how briefly. He was cared so much about helping to change the world for the better, and was genuinely one of the best listeners I have ever met. The community at large will grieve the loss of such a good teacher, friend and father. May his memory be a blessing.

The Polster family grieves with you and sends all its love, comfort, and prayers to Brianah, Julia, Avi, family, friends, Or Tzion, and the greater community. We will miss you Micah. Our memory of you will be a blessing.

Micah was an extraordinary Rabbi and person. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Or Tzion community and the entire Arizona Jewish community on the loss of this wonderful man. May his memory be for a blessing.

To the Caplan family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved having Bri and Julia in class and I am so sad for you both. I had met your dad on several occasions at parent night He was such a nice man. I am always here for you both. I watched the service , it was beautiful. Hugs to all. Your dad will always be with you and be a light for you. Love you , and your mom, Momma Nelson

We are heartbroken by the death of Micah. We first met Micah and his brother Josh, when they attended an Open House with Tina at what was then, Congregation Beth Kodesh. Shortly after they became members of CBK, Tina and the boys joined our Havurah. Micah was always a warm and caring person, with a smile for everyone. It was pure joy to watch Micah grow into adulthood and become an exceptional rabbi. Our deepest sympathy to his three beautiful children, Brianah, Julia & Avi, to his parents, Tina and Murray, to his brothers, Josh, Jeremiah and Yonah and to his life partner, Gabi. May his memory be a blessing.

Rabbi Caplan. I will always remember you. We grew up together and you bar and bat mitzvahed both of my children. Thank you for making their days so special. You are slo special and will be missed a lot!

We are so sorry for your family’s loss. May his memory live on.

Rabbi Micah Caplan was a sweet soul - always sharing a cheerful countenance and an outstretched hand. He was a blessing to his family, to his community, and to the Jewish People May he rest in Peace על מקומו יבוא בשלום

Dear ones, the light that your beloved Micah shined into this world came from the highest heavens and warmed us all; it will never be extinguished. May we live by the love and lessons he shared so expansively, by the ruach and chesed he gave so freely and without limit, by the inspiration of his spirit and the deep wisdom of his soul. May he rest under the wings of the Shechinah, and may you be comforted by an endless well of love and care. Shana, Danise, Adena, Jared, Andrew, Eli, Jonah, & Aaron

“My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens, and to pick roses.” - Song of Songs 6:2 Jennifer & Justin Carrocci

I was part of the search committee of Congregation Shaarei Torah when we hired Rabbi Caplan soon after he was ordained. He was a wonderful Rabbi. Easy to work with. Very knowledgeable. His outgoing personality and great warmth always lightened up every room he entered. A very great loss and my deepest condolences to his family and the Or Tzion community.

His memory will always be a blessing. Always thinking of others and his students. So sorry for your personal loss

Our family is heartbroken by Rabbi Caplan’s passing. He was such an wonderful part of the Pardes community and the whole Jewish community here in the Valley. He was so caring and sweet with our children. His presence and guidance will be missed. The Berkowitz Family

I am devastated. I wanted to briefly share how much Micah meant to me. We were counselors together in the same cabin for one summer at Camp Ramah (around 1995), and just had the best time. He was awesome with the kids, great with the other counselors and adults, and could balance religion, music, education, arts, sports, ruach, and just plain fun better than anyone I ever met. He and I proudly brought back a tradition (from his counselors in the 1980s) where, from up to 100 feet away, I'd magically send him numbers (0 up to 9,999) that campers would whisper in my ear. Using telepathy, Micah would reveal the number, sending the campers (& adults) into hysterics! We worked together another summer as well... and I later spent some time with him in both L.A. and Arizona, and I always broke into a huge smile whenever I heard from him, or saw a post on Facebook. Now, I'm horribly sad, but I know that over time, that smile will return. Whenever I think of him, I will remember so many good times and so many good deeds he did. My condolences to his family and the many friends and people he touched in his way-too-brief time here on earth. I miss you, buddy.