Congregational Guestbook for Minka Shura Sprague

Since the Covid lockdown in March I have been primarily at home and participating in community life virtually. When I read in the Touro Synagogue newsletter that Minka had passed I was shocked and saddened. I realized that I had missed her. Though I only knew her as a vital member of our congregation, I realized that her presence had an impact on my life. She was radiant, warm, smart, curious, open hearted and loving. I can’t imagine her gone. Her bright light will shine on and her spirit live on amongst us. I have donated to the Arbor Day Foundation to have several trees planted in her name. May they add life to life and May she Rest In Peace. May her memory be of comfort to you at this time and always. 

Fern Kruger

Minka will be deeply missed. Her ready wit, deep intelligence, boundless curiosity, and immense kindness to all will forever live on in my memory, Heartfelt condolences to her family from one of her many, many friends. 

Cathy Lazarus

Disheartened to hear of your passing so sudden, especially since we just had the very informative Judges sessions. 

Stuart Simon

I met Minka through News and the Jews. She always added cogent ideas which added so much to the food for thought. I will miss my special friend.

Edie Rosenblum

My heart is so completely heavy right now, as I just learned that we have lost our beloved Minka. She helped me and others through a particularly hard time when we lost a dear friend and colleague back in Jackson, MS. Her wise words comforted me and guided me through that grief. We stayed in touch, she moved to Nola. In the spring of 2016, we timidly visited Touro Synagogue as we were planning our move to Nola. That evening I told Lawrence, “I need to let Minka know we are moving here.” All 5 Habers walked into the synagogue, and there was Minka on a Friday night for Shabbat services. My eyes filled with tears because I took it as the most sincere sign that we were in the right place for our new spiritual home. We sat with her that evening, and chatted after. She told me that sometimes she needs the word to be given to her so she was a regular attendee at services. As a Christian who so deeply loves and learns daily from the Jewish faith of my husband and sons, I felt so secure and comforted knowing how much she gleaned from Touro’s beautiful, meaningful services. I still have the card she wrote Sam at his Bar Mitzvah, and can still hear her sweet encouraging words to me as I walked behind Sam down the aisle during his Bar Mitzvah service. Our favorite run into / let’s chat and catch up places were Friday night services of course and Fresh Market – the last time I saw her was Wednesday Dec 16. Air hugs, uplifting outlook, wise words, holiday exchanges. She will be so missed. 

Kelly Harp Haber

To Minka’s family – I am shocked and saddened to learn today of Minka’s death. I met Minka, sitting next to her at Shabbat services, many years ago. That began a friendship that continued through “News and the Jews” and other adult learning opportunities at Touro. Your mother, grandmother, sibling was an extraordinary woman with an amazing open minded and loving soul. She will be sorely missed. 

Mary Lynn Alltmont

Minka was an incredible person and a cherished member of the Touro Synagogue family. She will be missed so very much. Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and colleagues. May her memory be for a blessing, now and always. With deepest sympathy.

Lisa and Mike Herman

The two times I was fortunate enough to speak to Minka in person this fall, she was surrounded by golden light. It was the light that comes as the seasons change; the light that makes us see unexpected beauty, and remember we are quite lucky beings. That light was not only surrounding Minka, it was Minka……she made us see unexpected beauty and realize we are quite lucky beings….for knowing her. 

Jenny Butler

When we were new to Touro, our little family always felt so warmly welcomed by Minka. I loved hearing her perspective during discussions–always thoughtful, critical, and full of compassion. Her passing is no small loss. We send all our love to her family, and are grateful for the blessing of having gotten to be in community with her. Love, Danielle, Shana, and Solomon 

Danielle, Shana, and Solomon Bellone