When Michael Kinsler started a project, he not only saw it through to the end, but he could generally visualize how it would turn out. So, leaving Atlanta in the late '90s, as the Congregation Bet Haverim was growing, had to be difficult for the Atlanta native.
In the late '80s, Mr. Kinsler was one of the engines behind promoting the synagogue, which was established in 1986 to give Atlanta's gay and lesbian community a place to honor their religious beliefs, without compromising their personal identities.
"He saw a need, and it just wasn't for someone else," said his sister, Sharon Karlan of Roswell. "It was something he wanted for himself and others."
Ms. Karlan described her brother as a "big ball of love." She said he had a "huge heart and just wanted to see a place where anybody could come, regardless of who they were."
Mr. Kinsler only left Atlanta because his job as a creative director took him to Seattle, and then Tampa, before he settled in Los Angeles eight years ago.
"The synagogue grew beyond his dreams, and that was a good thing," his sister said. "People still stop me and tell me they're grateful for my brother, and his work with the synagogue."
Distance didn't keep Mr. Kinsler from the Atlanta synagogue he helped support. He was one of the early presidents of the congregation and often came back for High Holy Days. He also chose to exchange vows with his husband there two years ago, even though they'd been previously wed in a Los Angeles civil ceremony.
"It was a magical time, surrounded by friends and family," said his husband, Dr. Howard Rosner, of Los Angeles.
It was that kind of experience Mr. Kinsler hoped to create for the members of Congregation Bet Haverim, his sister said.
"He wanted there to be a place for gays and lesbians to have sanctuary and have the Jewish life they wanted to have," she said. "But he also wanted to see all kinds of couples there, not just gay and lesbian. He wanted it to be a synagogue for all."
The synagogue represents so much Mr. Kinsler believed in, said Rabbi Joshua Lesser, who serves the Congregation. The Rabbi said it was a place where "he didn't have to split his identity, and in the eyes of God and community, he was a blessing and his love was a blessing."
Michael Jay Kinsler, of Los Angeles, died Friday at home from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 51. A memorial service was held Monday at the synagogue. Arrangements were handled by Dresser's Jewish Funeral Care.
In addition to his husband and sister, Mr. Kinsler is survived by his mother, Margaret Shainker of Atlanta; and brother, Harlan Kinsler of Lilburn.
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