Comments and References
- As my former Rabbi I’d like to say that Michael was always my friend and confidante. It was because of him that I joined MNS in 1979 , introduced by our mutual friend Michael Wynne.
He helped me through my divorce and never made me feel guilty about it, especially when I’d sit in his office and sob my heart out. He forced me to eat when no-one else could!
He has a lovely sense of humour and his services/sermons were [and probably still are] the best!
To this day I still miss him on the MNS Bimah!
VIV BLOCK (U.K.)
- Michael was our first Rabbi in Harrow, when we joined our local synagogue as newlyweds in 1973. He was our Rabbi when our children were born and for quite a few years after, as they grew, until we left London to live in the Midlands. The years passed and we lost touch, as people do.
Imagine our surprise to re discover Michael and Carol in Leicester, leading the service in our daughter and son in law’s synagogue! If ever proof were needed of the cyclical nature of life, it can be found in the Shabbat service that Michael took for our granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Not only did he meet many former congregants that morning, our long term friends and family from London, but he was also involved in the third generation of our family’s rites of passage. We are all looking forward to his attendance at our grandson’s Bar Mitzvah next year!
KEN & LINDA EDWARD (U.K.)
- We still miss Rabbi Standfield & Carol very much. Emanuel (Johannesburg) was never ever the same without them both. I remember that Rabbi made a speech at Darryl's barmitzvah and people enquired if he was available for other functions.
MAUREEN MARKS (South Africa)
- Rabbi Michael Standfield was the Rabbi at Temple/Beit Emanuel, Johannesburg, from 1994 until his retirement in 2000 (not sure of the exact date). During this period he helped to grow the congregation from its rebirth back to a vibrant community of about 500 families. His warmth and good humour made one feel at home in the congregation and services were well attended. We were very sad when he announced that due to ill health he would have to retire and accept the pulpit at a small congregation.
- We can remember when both Rabbi & Carol arrived at Temple Israel. We were delighted and charmed with our new Rabbi Michael, with his outgoing and friendly personality. It was easy to make personal friends with them and to have them over to our place and go to theirs. Then how unhappy we were when Michael decided to move to Temple Emanuel, following which we decided to make the move as well. We spent many happy years enjoying their friendship until they moved to Durban and then back to England. We treasure our happy memories and wish them well.