In Mobile, Alabama, Original Singer Finds the Long-Lost ‘Minyan Man’

More than 40 years after Victor Shine‘s classic song “Minyan Man” told the story of a Jewish traveler searching for the tenth man needed for a minyan in Mobile, Alabama, the story has come full circle.

It all started, like in the song, when a Jewish man was found.

Robin Meyerson, head of The Shabbat Project North America and founder of the Meis Mitzvah Project, discovered this summer through a family genealogy search that her lost uncle, Donald, was alive. Donald, elderly and suffering from Alzheimer’s, was living at Knollwood long term care in Mobile.

Meyerson contacted Shliach Rabbi Yosef Goldwasser of Chabad of Mobile, asking him to ensure Donald would receive a dignified Jewish burial. Rabbi Goldwasser instead did far more.

He arranged a visit and gave Donald the opportunity to put on tefillin. Despite the many years that had passed and his fading memory, Donald remembered exactly what to do. He wrapped the tefillin, recited the brachos, and became visibly emotional. Rabbi Goldwasser has continued visiting Donald since, bringing him challah for Shabbos.

“Our responsibility is to meet every Jew where he is and remind him that he remains an essential part of the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Goldwasser.

The story took on new meaning when the family made the connection to “Minyan Man,” the song set in Mobile.

Meyerson and Lenny Solomon, founder of Shlock Rock and longtime performer of the song, decided that Donald’s story deserved a new chapter. Solomon will travel to Mobile to join Meyerson, Rabbi Goldwasser and Donald’s family for a new rendition of “Minyan Man,” featuring new words by original composer Victor Shine.

The new version reflects the remarkable transformation of Jewish life in Mobile. The city that once inspired a story about the search for a tenth Jew now has a shul, mikvah, kosher food and an active Jewish community. The new ending captures the message perfectly:

“I finally understood what those nine men had shown – that wherever a Jew goes, he’s never alone.”

Donald’s discovery has already reunited him with his daughter, his younger sister Myra, and extended family members who had lost touch over the years.

“What began as an attempt to make sure one elderly Jewish man would someday be buried with dignity became something much larger,” said Meyerson. “We found an uncle, reunited a family and helped a Jewish soul reconnect with his heritage.”

To partner with Chabad of Mobile in making moments like these happen, please donate at https://charidy.com/mobile.

A campaign is currently live, and all donations are being quadrupled by a group of generous donors.

The full documentary can be viewed on YouTube.

An abridged version can be viewed here.

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