Rabbi Robert A. Seigel was born on July 19, 1938, in Charleston, SC, to Anne (Lipman) and Frank Seigel. Upon graduating from Rivers High School and attending the College of Charleston, he commenced his journey toward the rabbinate at the Institute for Leaders in Jerusalem, Israel. Rabbi Seigel acquired his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1961. He received his Bachelor of Hebrew Letters in 1964, and his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters in 1965, from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, OH, in addition to completing its Hirsch Fellowship. Rabbi Seigel was ordained in 1965, and earned a Doctor of Divinity in 1990, from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, NY. He had the distinction of being South Carolina's first native born Rabbi, an honor for which he was most proud. Rabbi Seigel returned to Charleston in 2001, upon his retirement from Temple Beth Israel in Fresno, CA, and served as the Temple's Rabbi Emeritus until his death on Monday, November 14, 2016. Prior to his retirement, he diligently, faithfully, and selflessly served several congregations during his 50 year career in the Rabbinate. His first congregation was Temple Sinai in Rochester, NY. He served Temple Beth Shalom and Temple Beth El in Charlotte, NC, and Temple Emanuel In Statesville, NC. He was the founder and director of the Carolina Agency for Jewish Education while in North Carolina. In May of 2016, Rabbi Seigel celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination and gave his last sermon at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, "A Reflection of Life in the Rabbinate." It was especially meaningful to commemorate this occasion at the Temple where he was consecrated and confirmed, and in which his Bar Mitzvah and marriage were held. Rabbi Seigel's activism and community involvement continued throughout his life. While profoundly modest, Rabbi Seigel and his family were also especially proud of his participation in the 1994 Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian Peace Talks, and his receipt of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the City of Fresno. Rabbi Seigel lectured both nationally and internationally on interfaith and interracial issues, as well as peace, and led many tours throughout Israel. He authored several publications including those related to intermarriage, and composed a collection of Jewish children's songs. In addition to his wife, Faye Polis Seigel, Rabbi Seigel is survived by his much loved children, Tamar R. Seigel and Adam B. Bernstein of Charlotte, NC, Daniel J. Seigel and wife Shelly of Pittsburgh, PA, Amy B. Rothschild of Columbia, SC, and Dana E. Rothschild and Ira D. Levy of Charleston, SC. His children and ten grandchildren were among his greatest joys, Shayna B. Putterman and husband Andrew of Washington, D.C., Asher S. Bernstein of Charlotte, NC, Hannah L. Seigel of Washington, D.C., Shira Seigel of Pittsburgh, PA, Shoshana Seigel of Pittsburg, PA, Augusta L. Levy of Charleston, SC, Simon D. Levy of Charleston, SC, Joshua W. Groves (OBM), Stephen P. Groves, Jr. of Washington, D.C., and Sumter S. H. Groves of Washington, D.C. He leaves behind his brother-in-law, Gerald D. Polis and wife Beth; his niece, Linday E. Polis; nephew, Kevin A. Polis, and their families. His blue eyes sparkled and his face lit up as he proudly shared their accomplishments with anyone who asked. A Funeral Service took place at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, Charleston, SC 29401, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Rabbi Robert A. Seigel Sanctuary Restoration Fund, K.K.B.E., 90 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC 29401. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www..jhenrystuhr.com .