Jewish texts tell us that the ideal chazan should be without sin (comparatively speaking, of course), untainted by rumors of a bad reputation as a youth, a modest man acceptable to the congregation, pious and learned, and endowed with a sweet voice. Those qualities describe perfectly Sam Richman who combined a life-long love of Jewish liturgy with dedication to the cause of Jewish education at Temple Sinai.

 Sam was a Temple Sinai founder. With his dear friend Morris Winokur, he also discovered the 25-year old Sidney Greenberg, the product of their mission to the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1941 to scout out a rabbi for the fledgling congregation. Sam and Morris were favorably impressed with the recent graduate still awaiting ordination, the aspirant reciprocated their interest, and Sidney Greenberg would, following wartime chaplaincy service, relocate to West Oak Lane to begin a 50-year career as Temple Sinai's rabbi and spiritual leader. Until the new rabbi's arrival, Sam conducted religious services for the new congregation. He was also instrumental in selecting the other professional leaders of the congregation including Cantors Caesar and Chaitovsky and beloved sexton Benjamin Petluck. He also organized and nurtured the Temple Sinai choir.

 When Dave Hertzberg was not chairing the Religious Committee, Sam was, but his principal continuing service to the congregation was as chair of the Religious School Committee, a position he occupied for 20 years. Under his leadership, Temple Sinai established the Gan and a program of after-school education through and beyond Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Sam's contribution to synagogue leadership was recognized in an appointment as a lifetime member of the Temple Sinai Board of Directors. His exceptional commitment to Jewish education, which included long-time membership on the Philadelphia Board of Jewish Education, endures fittingly through the scholarship fund established by his family in his name.

 Sam passed away in 1996 after more than 50 years as a central figure in the spiritual, educational, and musical life of Temple Sinai. Whether serving as the chazan for the auxiliary service on the High Holy Days as he did for many years, davening on Shabbat, or just chanting along with the congregation, Sam memorably enriched every service he attended with the sweetness of his voice and soul. His wife Rose, who was also present at the shul’s creation, remains a faithful attendee of Shabbat morning services and is uplifted by the memory of Sam's singing.