Rabbi David Ellenson, z"l, Dies at 76

CBST joins with the Jewish world, shocked and saddened by the death of Rabbi David Ellenson, z”l, one of the giants of our generation. We extend our deep condolences to his beloved family.

CBST Cantor Sam Rosen sang in a chorus of students and alumni at Rabbi Ellenson’s funeral and CBST Music Director Joyce Rosenzweig was the pianist.

From The New York Times: “Though he was raised Orthodox, Rabbi Ellenson remained true to the beliefs and ideals of Reform Judaism. He championed the rights of women and L.G.B.T.Q. Jews to be ordained, and he promoted the belief that fathers, not just mothers, could pass on Jewish lineage, positions that were rejected by the more traditional branch of his youth.

“He saw the evolution of Reform Judaism in the modern era as very much in line with the broader Jewish tradition, which he said had always been changing.”

Read the NYT obituary.

View Rabbi Ellenson’s funeral service.

Photo by Nicole Bengiveno for The New York Times