Events + Testimonials
in-person as well as multi-platform appearances are being scheduled once again. write me at rabbiagler@gmail.com for details!
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january 2024 | Vail, co
Teaching at the yearly conference of the Organization for Networking and Growth (ONEG) about Power and the Law. Exploring how teachings from the Bible, Talmud, and Midrash show which one wins in the ongoing struggle and why. Also, discussing how we all still hold some power even if much of it has been usurped.
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september 2023 | tavernier, FL
Join me at the Keys Jewish Community Center/Congregation Ohr HaYam as we welcome Rosh Hashanah on September 15–17 and contemplate life’s meaning on Yom Kippur, September 24–25. See the congregation’s website for details!
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september 21, 2023 | Delray beach, FL
“Coming to Terms with Life-Changing Loss and
How One Person Can Change an Overwhelming World”
This will be the topic as we meet with Hadassah and the Mitzvah Lunch Club at the South County Civic Center on the Boca-Delray line. Mindy will join me in a multi-media presentation that includes an eyewitness report from our recent visit to Africa. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Program begins at 7. We’d love to see you there.
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september 20, 2023 | boca raton, FL
Mindy and I will be meeting and greeting friends and dear ones at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh beginning at 7 pm. It’ll be a chance to catch up personally and we’ll give an update on the exciting progress of the Talia Agler Girls Shelter. Invitations will go as the date gets closer. Contact me directly if you don’t receive one and would like to participate. As always, all who come in peace are welcome.
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August 26, 2023 | San Diego, CA
Leading Torah Study at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego. 9 am–10:15 am PDT. You can attend in person or sign up for virtual access through this link. Check “Torah Study” and you’ll be set. All who come in peace are welcome. If you can’t make this date, I am also scheduled to teach on September 30, October 7, December 2.
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May 31–June 1, 2023 | New York, NY
Speaking at the Re-Charging Reform Judaism gathering at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in Manhattan. The need for a believable God in Reform (and all) Jewish life is my topic. Registration information is at RechargingReform.com.
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February 10, 2023 | South Florida
Returning to CyberSynagogue.org, this time to teach about A God We Can Believe In.
“Rabbi Agler possesses the innate ability to eloquently express answers to our hardest questions. His perspective, on a G!d we can begin to understand and live with, is needed and profoundly important. Judaism, as we know, is a living tradition and as such it must continue to grow as we march on in a world where strife and difficulty are abundant. The pursuit of a G!d we can relate to is a must and Rabbi Agler delivers.”—Rabbi Cantor Stephanie Shore
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February 7, 2023 | NAORRR online
Rifat Sonsino and I will be leading a webinar on A God We Can Believe In for the members of the National Assn. of Retired Reform Rabbis.
“Thank you for kicking off the NAORRR program year is such outstanding fashion. Yasher Koach! I hope you saw the complimentary notes put in the chat as the session was concluding. Participants really appreciated your presentation both style and content. I have had reason to be in touch with several attendees since your session and they were universally pleased with the webinar and still thinking about the points you raised. . . Thanks for making the new Program VP look good!”—Rabbi Jack Luxemburg, NAORRR Vice President
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January 19, 2023 | Tavernier, Florida
Presenting on A God We Can Believe In to the Keys Jewish Community Center/Congregation Ohr Hayam. 7:30 pm EST.
“ . . . You have some loyal followers who would love to attend Zoom discussions whenever you are willing to do them.”—Joyce Peckman, Education Chair
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September–October 2022 | Florida Keys
Join me at the Keys Jewish Community Center/Congregation Ohr HaYam as we welcome Rosh Hashanah and contemplate life’s meaning on Yom Kippur. September 25–27 and October 4–5. Schedule is here. All who come in peace are welcome.
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September 28, 2022 | Tavernier, FL
Introducing A God We Can Believe In to the members of Congregation Ohr HaYam. Teaching, Learning and Book Signing!. MM 93.1 OS. 7 pm EDT.
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August–September 2022 | San Diego, CA
Three Tuesday mornings, August 30, September 6, and September 13, from 10:00–11:30 am at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego. A diverse access series during the Hebrew month of Elul as we consider the issues of life and death in preparation for the High Holydays.
“Rabbi Agler played an essential role in spiritually preparing our congregation for the High Holy Days with his expertly executed Elul series. Weaving together issues of life, death, and how we both wrestle and reconcile with them different ways at different times in our lives was poignant. We look forward to learning with, and from, Rabbi Agler in the future!”—Ilene Tatro | Director of Programming and Communications
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August 6, 2022 | Wildacres, NC
Introducing A God We Can Believe In at the annual kallah of the Greater Carolinas Association of Rabbis.
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June 15, 2022 | Malverne, NY
Malverne Jewish Center, will interview Rifat Sonsino and me on the themes of A God We Can Believe In.
“Rabbi Agler and Rabbi Sonsino's presentation and discussion gave both the clergy and laypeople present the opportunity to engage and wrestle with our ideas of God in a safe and non-judgmental space. A God We Can Believe In gives us language to what God is to each of us in an accessible way.”—Rabbi Susan Elkodsi
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June 14, 2022 | New York, NY
Watch the program I recorded with Rabbi Geoff Mitleman of Sinai and Synapses. Geoff does some truly fascinating work bridging the scientific and religious worlds. You can find it at https://vimeo.com/696267023 or on the Media page of RichardAgler.com. It’s about forty-five minutes long—so you’ll have time to pull up a chair and enjoy!
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June 5, 2022 | Pacific Beach, CA
St. Andrews by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. I spoke at the Sunday morning Forum Hour on “The Universals of Life-Changing Loss.”
“What a gift it was to spend time with Richard and Mindy at our church. I looked out on the group gathered and saw people connecting meaningfully, with people they hadn't connected with before. Of those gathered, many have experienced their own "big losses" - the death of spouses, mentors, and also children. We even had a teenager attend whose father died tragically some years ago. In sharing his own story of a loss that made him question his faith, Rabbi Richard created space for all of us to share about how our concepts of God were impacted after loss.”—Rev. Mary Lynn Coulson, Rector
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April–June 2022 | La Jolla, CA
Mindy and I taught six weeks on the “Six Steps of Healing through Grief” at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
Rabbi Richard Agler and his wife Mindy did a six-week course on "Healing through Grief." It truly opened up and revealed a process of dealing with grief through a different set of lenses. I was able to go back and review the losses in my life and make sense that it truly is a process and takes time. Each stage and step is unique for one who is grieving and one who is consoling. I loved learning the Jewish rituals that broadened and deepened my faith. We all struggle with death, losing a baby or child, divorce, friends, and family. This course was helpful in speaking to what is often not spoken about. I recommend this for any faith or community, as we all will cross over the rainbow at some point. Mindy & Richard, sharing their own faith journey, are a great team for this topic.—Peace, Anne Christian (Clergy comments from previous appearances at St. James can be found below. ;-)
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April 4–13, 2022 | Nairobi, Kenya
A move-in to the new permanent home of the Talia Agler Girls Shelter. See msagler907, eveagler, girlshub_ke, and talia_agler_girls_shelter on Instagram for updates!
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January 2022 | San Diego, CA
Hevruta Podcast, hosted by Rabbi Philip Graubart and Ali Viterbi from the San Diego Jewish Academy. Speaking about what tragedy teaches us about life, faith, and God. Free access. Listen here and enjoy!
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January 19, 2022 | La Jolla, CA
Once again with my friends at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. From the book, The Tragedy Test, Six Steps for Working through Grief, Mourning, and Loss. Online by invitation.
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December 10, 2021 | video–PODCAST
Click on this link to view my thirty-minute guest appearance with Rabbi Richard Address on his series, Seekers of Meaning at JewishSacredAging.com. We discuss the spiritual, psychological, and family ramifications of life-changing loss. Professionally produced and directed.
“In The Tragedy Test, Rabbi Agler takes us on a personal journey that moves us in challenging and powerful ways. The story of his family working through the loss of a daughter offers us a glimpse into the soul of a family and the power of community. Likewise, many who have walked this walk will find aspects of their own story in Agler's words. The book offers insights for clergy and caregivers as well as moments for personal reflection.”—Rabbi Richard Address
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October 10, 17, 31 | La Jolla, CA
At St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church A three-part series on Making Sense of Life-Changing Loss.
“Rabbi Agler's presentation at our church was not only a meaningful and helpful way to connect across faiths, but the lessons he brought us from his own life and faith were invaluable to us. We were deeply moved and had a sense of having had a genuine encounter with the holy One who loves us and walks with us in and through tragedy. We are so grateful for our time with Rabbi Agler and for his thoughtful, honest, and wise words and the lessons learned. His book and presentation inspired us to take steps to begin to more intentionally address grief and loss in new ways in our congregation. Thank you Rabbi Agler!—Rev. Rebecca DiNovo
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july 16–18, 2021 | the berkshires, Ma
Wildman Scholar-in-Residence at Knesset Israel Congregation, Pittsfield.
“Rabbi Agler brought his story to our congregation, speaking in a deeply personal way about loss, grief, and healing. His presentations - at turns devastating, challenging, and inspiring - resonated with the audience, who listened attentively and responded enthusiastically.”—Rabbi David Weiner
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April 9 & May 7, 2021 | South Florida
Two programs, Erev Shabbat at CyberSynagogue.org.
“We were blessed to have Rabbi Richard Agler, DD. speak during services at CyberSynagogue. He brought wisdom, perspective and compassion to the most difficult topic of grief. His book and his message are one that deepen and renew understanding of God, of our faith and of hope.”—Rabbi/Cantor Stephanie Shore
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march 10, 2021 | Cincinnati, OH
Guest teaching Professor Gary Zola’s class on “Reform Jewish Theology in Transition” at the Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion.
“Rabbi Agler’s teachings made a profound impression on my class of rabbinical students. The forthright, earnest, and poignant account of his own soul-searching over the “Tragedy Test” underscored the supremely important responsibility they bear when teaching and speaking about their concept of God.”—Rabbi Gary P. Zola, PhD.
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march 1, 2021 | San Diego, CA
Teaching on the subject of Faith and Reason with local retired rabbis.
“When Rabbi Agler presented his teaching recently to a small group of retired rabbis, he couldn’t have known how deeply his words would touch me. Unknown to him, my wife and I lost an infant who only lived for three weeks. Rabbi Agler teaches difficult subjects with great insight, wisdom, and warmth. He cares about the subject and who he has in front of him. It was an excellent presentation.”—Michael Berk, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA.
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January 14, 2021 | los angeles, Ca
Presentation to the Southern California Board of Rabbis.
“Rabbi Richard Agler’s presentation to our Board of Rabbis colleagues was moving and profound. He shared with us the inspiring legacy of his daughter Talia’s life and the lessons he learned in the aftermath of her tragic death. It was very powerful to see the Passover seder that he conducted in Kenya at the girls’ shelter named in Talia’s memory. The presentation was thought-provoking on many levels.
Rabbi Agler speaks with tender, heart-felt honesty about the deepest questions of God and good and evil and of how to live meaningfully. I highly recommend his writing and his teaching to all who seek wisdom and truth about how to live passionately in this precarious world.”—Rabbi Ilana Grinblat, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Board of Rabbis
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September 12, 2020 | Pinecrest, FL
Slichot program at Temple Beth Am.
“Rabbi Agler’s presentation was fabulous and we got many wonderful comments. He brought such warmth and honesty to our Congregation with his courageous and beautiful presentation. His book, The Tragedy Test, is truly a must-read, and I recommend that every congregation avail themselves of his incredible story of perseverance and his journey of faith.”—Jeremy Barras, Senior Rabbi
“Rabbi Agler's story is the kind of story that would throw anyone's faith into question. Through his tragedy test, Rabbi Agler formed a deeper, more mature relationship with God. His words are comforting and helpful for all of us who are looking to (re)connect to the Divine who have (and haven't) experienced loss. My congregants cried, smiled, were broken-hearted and inspired by his words. He modeled how to (re)build a relationship with the Divine and rebuild life after loss.”—Rabbi Rachel Greengrass
“Your presentation was wonderful. You shined some light into some very dark hearts.”—Rabbi Jaime Aklepi
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July 29, 2020 | Boca Raton, FL
An online event on ErevTisha B’Av with Congregation Shaarei Kodesh. 7:30 pm EDT.
"As a congregational rabbi, I often receive questions regarding the 'why' of tragedy and loss. The Tragedy Test, written by a congregational rabbi who served thousands of families for decades, and who dealt with the tragedy of the unimaginable loss of his daughter, gives answers to these timeless questions in an approachable and thoughtful way. It contains wisdom from the Jewish tradition, and wisdom from a rabbi and father who walked this unfortunate path. I am honored to call Rabbi Agler my colleague and friend, and I highly recommend this important book." — Rabbi David Baum
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july 28, 2020 | Wildacres, NC
Postponed due to public health concerns. Addressing the Annual Interfaith Clergy Gathering at the famed Wildacres Retreat Center.
March 23, 2020 | Baltimore, MD
Postponed due to public health concerns. Workshop: “Dealing With Our Own Grief.” At the 131st Annual Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. In attendance March 22–25.
March 8, 2020 | Miami, FL
Red Tent Book Club. Sunday, 1 p.m. | Temple Beth Or, Miami
Richard Agler’s telling of his emotional tragedy and ensuing struggle for answers helped us to open our hearts to explore our own connection to faith and the God we believe in. Thank you!—Rabbi Robyn Fisher
There are so many ways to think about God, especially after a devastating loss. Rabbi Agler's heartfelt presentation to our Temple enlightened us as to how he and his wife are continuing to pass their own "tragedy test". Everyone, at some point, will have their "tragedy test" to take and reading Rabbi Agler's book is a view worth digesting.—Mel Tenen, Past President of Temple Beth Or | Amy Lomaskin, Programming Chair of Temple Beth Or
February 23, 2020 | Miami, FL
Teaching at Limmud Miami at Florida International University's Kovens Conference Center, 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181
January 3, 2020 | NAORRR
The National Association of Retired Reform Rabbis’ annual convention.
“The late Naomi Shemer wrote a beautiful song entitled Al Kol Eyle, which includes the verse, "for the honey and the sting." Rabbi Agler and his family experienced the greatest tragedy, the greatest "sting" there is . . . the death of a beautiful daughter at the peak of her life. At his presentation at the NAORRR Conference he spoke of his pain, but also how the death of his daughter prompted the family to set up a lasting memorial to his daughter at a school in Africa. The participants wept along with him, but were inspired and moved by the "honey" that his daughter left to the entire world.”—Rabbi Jon Haddon, NAORRR
December 16-17, 2019 | Boca raton, FL
B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St. Sponsored by the Adult University of the Levis JCC Sandler Center and B’nai Torah Congregation | Mitzvah Lunch Clubs. (Invitation only.)
"Rabbi Agler's presentation was excellent, warm and authentic. He delves deeply into the pain without pretending to have all the answers. Most importantly, the people there were deeply moved by the story and comforted by the struggle." Rabbi David Steinhardt, Senior Rabbi, B'nai Torah Congregation
december 14-15, 2019 | Augusta, GA
Serving as Scholar-in-Residence at Adas Yeshurun Synagogue
“A masterful presentation was given to my congregation by Rabbi Agler. It was so very thought -provoking. We're still talking about it weeks later!”—Rabbi David Sirull
november 7, 2019 | Tavernier, FL
Upper Keys Ministerial Association.
“Thank you, again, for your influence, sharing and vulnerability . . . for goodness, blessing and your continued influence on the hearts of humanity.”—Pastor Phil Underwood, Chair
october 13, 2019 | Islamorada, FL
Coral Isles Church, 90001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL.
“Our members raved over Rabbi Agler’s thoughtful and heart-moving presentation.”—Rev. Kerby Avedovech, Pastor
Tishrei 5780 | tavernier, FL
Leading High Holyday services at the Keys Jewish Community Center.
“This year's High Holy Day experience and talks by Rabbi Agler (I don't like to call them sermons because they are more like meaningful conversations than lectures), struck powerful chords on all three topics, starting with anti-semitism and the ramifications of hatred, progressing all the way through to Yom Kippur with talk of love and its power to change lives…Check out his Thoughts and Writing page and re-read his warm and powerful yet informal words.”—Gloria Avner, KJCC Ritual Chair
August 3, 2019 | Wildacres, NC
Speaking to the Rabbis of the GCAR.
May 21-23, 2019 | New York, NY
Appearing at the Jewish Book Council Authors Presentation in New York, NY.
May 18, 2019 | Durham, NC
“Rabbi Agler's book and presentation share a powerful personal story of searing pain and soaring hope. Our time with him was a gift to our community.”—Rabbi Daniel Greyber
May 13-16, 2019 | Wildacres, NC
“At a rabbinic retreat focusing on issues of loss, Rabbi Richard Agler offered a fine presentation drawn from his book, The Tragedy Test. His brave and thoughtful mapping of grief's terrain proved to be a great gift for all participants. Agler certainly underscored the benefits, indeed the necessity, for rabbis to explore the brokenness from which a new personal wholeness grows. Such awareness is certainly an aid to rabbis in those moments when personal life intersects pastoral care.”—Rabbi Steven Sager, Ph.D., Director of Sicha
April 17, 2019 | Miami, FL
Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami.
“One of the most meaningful and moving programs we’ve had in years!”—Rabbi Fred Klein, Exec. Dir. RAGM
“I . . . want to thank Rabbi Agler for sharing his heartbreaking and beautiful book – The Tragedy Test – with our group. His openness about the tragic loss of his daughter and his struggle to find a working theology was profound and helpful I think for all of us who struggle with God (and we’re Israel so that’s all of us by definition). Especially in the aftermath of another attack, [Poway] it can be a tool for our communities as well as ourselves. It was a deeply personal telling and opened up our meeting in a profound way.”—Rabbi Rachel Greengrass, Incoming President, RAGM
April 13, 2019 | Marathon, FL
Writers Craft Conference of the Florida Keys. I will be in attendance throughout the day and presenting at the Book Fair from 4:15-5:15 p.m.
March 29-31, 2019 | Tucson, AZ
Serving as the Inaugural Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Beit Simcha.
Rabbi Richard Agler was our inaugural Scholar-in-Residence for Congregation Beit Simcha, and we could not have chosen a better scholar. His moving, powerful and personal discussion of great loss as a test of faith deeply affected everyone throughout the weekend, and helped with both healing and growth for many in our synagogue and community. The Tragedy Test is a wonderful, honest book that everyone should read. Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Agler on helping so many on this difficult journey with his courage, faith and generosity.—Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, founding rabbi, Congregation Beit Simcha; Host, The Too Jewish Radio Show with Rabbi Sam Cohon and Friends
February 25, 2019 | Key Largo, FL
The Book Club of the Keys Jewish Community Center will be meeting in Key Largo, FL. The book of the month is The Tragedy Test. On hand to discuss the book and answer questions.
“Rabbi Agler touched our hearts and souls when sharing his experience in writing The Tragedy Test. We were honored to have the Rabbi speak about how personal tragedy challenged his faith. A discussion and book that I won’t forget.”—Randi Grant, Keys Jewish Community Center, Chair, Sisterhood Bookclub.
January 9, 2019 | Vail, CO
A special presentation to Rabbis at ONEG—the Organization for Networking, Education and Growth in Vail, CO.
November 29, 2018 | Tavernier, FL
The "Keys Launch” of The Tragedy Test. I will be speaking on what led me to write the book, what I learned along the way, and what we can all learn when faced with tragedy. 7:30 p.m. MM 93.1, Bayside.