STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSING OF RABBI MARK LOEB

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Rabbi Mark Loeb, who led Beth El Congregation in Pikesville for 32 years until his retirement last year:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a great man, Rabbi Mark Loeb.

“Rabbi Loeb’s life and good works were an inspiration both to his own congregation, and to our entire State. He spent his time on this earth living the timeless Talmudic notion that ‘the highest form of wisdom is kindness,’ always standing up for our most vulnerable citizens, always fighting for social justice, always pursuing Tikkun Olam, repair of the world.

“On a personal note, I was very grateful that the Rabbi stepped forward and volunteered to serve on our Commission on Capital Punishment, where he dealt with some of the more difficult issues we face as a society, taking his role seriously, and handling his responsibilities with dignity and grace.

“Our hearts go out to the Loeb family, the Beth El Congregation, and the countless Marylanders who turned to the Rabbi for guidance, support, and leadership.”