Mourning the Loss of Rabbi Arnold Fertig

Dear Melrose:

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Melrose has lost another great community member with the death yesterday of Rabbi Arnold Fertig.

Arnie served as rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose for over 21 years. He had a great commitment to social justice and cared deeply about the spiritual health of his congregation and his community. He was dedicated to serving the whole of Melrose, through Rotary, the Melrose Human Rights Commission, and the Melrose Clergy Association. Arnie cared about tikkun olam - repairing the world – and throughout his life, used his skills and passion to make life better for others. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him.

Our hearts go out to his beloved wife Gail, his sons Benjamin and Ari and their spouses Elana and Elizabeth, his grandkids, his friends, and all whose lives were touched by him through his decades of devoted service to the Melrose community.

May his memory be a blessing.

Paul Brodeur, Mayor

Rabbi Fertig’s full obituary and details about memorial service and shiva can be found here.