On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Rita Semel passed away at the age of 104. I got to know Rita over about 8 years of playing weekly Scrabble games with her. At one of those games a few years ago, I told Rita about TWAICB 4 Questions At A Time initiative. She said, “Sounds great—how about doing one on us?”
Having long admired Rita for her great work and continuing positive engagements, I was thrilled to arrange for an interview with her and Mike Pappas, the current director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC), the organization founded by Rita. In honor of Rita we are re-sharing the interview.
With best thoughts about and on-going inspiration from this remarkable woman,
Sandy Sohcot
TWAICB Director Emeritus
