Holy Blossom Temple recently announced the loss of prominent local figure Rabbi Gunther Plaut, 99. He served as senior rabbi at the temple from 1961 to 1977, according to a statement from Rabbi John Moscowitz and president Mark Anshan.

Plaut was regarded as a leader, activist and teacher. Recognition of the former Canadian Jewish Congress president’s work came in the form of the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.

For Toronto Centre member of Parliament Bob Rae, the loss was not only one of a leader, but of a friend.

“A brilliant scholar, he was an active advisor to provincial and federal governments on human rights, interfaith understanding and social justice and international affairs,” Rae said.

Coun. Joe Mihevc recalled the St. Clair Avenue resident as being incredibly active in the community.

“He was a strong advocate of affordable housing and stood up in the late 1990s when the Tweedsmuir buildings were going to be knocked down and its residents were going to be unceremoniously evicted,” he said.