SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A beloved former rabbi of Congregation Mickve Israel who served for over two decades died peacefully Wednesday, his family told .

Rabbi Arnold Mark Belzer served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Mickve Israel from 1990-2011.

The esteemed 81-year-old led the congregation’s 275th anniversary celebration. He inaugurated a new three-story building located behind the synagogue, which will accommodate offices, the religious school, and Savannah’s Museum of Jewish History.

Congregation Mickve Israelis is third oldest Jewish congregation in America and was the first synagogue built in Georgia.

He passed with his wife of 57 years, Arline Belzer, by his side. 

“Arnold was incredibly compassionate, with a generous heart and an even larger sense of humor,” Arlene shared. “Although he wasn’t a native of Savannah, he cherished it as if it were his birthplace. He took pride in serving such a historic congregation and was truly enthusiastic about sharing its history and greeting newcomers. Our family was fortunate to have him close, and his love was always evident. His absence will be profoundly felt by us and the entire community to which he dedicated so much.”

Rabbi Belzer’s memorial service is scheduled for noon on Monday at Congregation Mickve Israel. Instead of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to Hospice Savannah or Congregation Mickve Israel.