Rabbi Samuel April

Samuel April was born on March 6, 1933 in Butler PA to Fanny and Rabbi Simon April four years after the birth of his sister Esther. After finishing his secular schooling in Savannah, Georgia, he attended Yeshiva University. Not only did he excel academically, but also played tennis at a college level. He also obtained a masters degree from Columbia University. He then went to Israel during the Sinai campaign and received Smicha from the chief orthodox Rabbi in Israel.

He returned to the United States and his first pulpit was in Lakeland, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Judy. They married in March 1958. They moved to Miami and In July a year later their son Max was born and four years later on their anniversary Lizabeth was born.

After a short stay in Chattanooga, Rabbi April came to Cheltenham Pennsylvania to lead Melrose Bnai Israel for over 10 years. After two years in Massapequa, they settled in Florida, his first congregation in Pompano and then at Century Village in Deerfield Beach.

After retiring he authored the book, “Demythification and Demystification of the Bible“ which is a must read for all.

He taught all seven grandchildren, their bar and bat mitzvah portions and presided over the wedding of his two oldest granddaughters. He also had been blessed with three great granddaughters.

Rabbi April led by example and always did the right thing. His influence and all the amazing memories will live on through his loving wife, Judy of 66 years, his children, Max and Pamela,

Liz and Carmi, grandchildren Jennifer and Evan, Jessica and Evan, Joshua, Simcha and Bina, Akiva, Jacob, and Shoshana and great granddaughters Naomi, Rina, and Goldie.