David Ellenson, who was president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion for 12 years, passed away from cardiac health-related issues. David Ellenson, a renowned American rabbi, historian, and leader of Reform Judaism, died due to cardiac health-related issues on Thursday, December 7, 2023. He was a scholar of modern Jewish thought and history.
Who was David Ellenson?
David Ellenson was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on June 25, 1947. He grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family in Newport News, Virginia. He was president of student body at Newport News High School in 1964-65.
He earned his B.A. from the College of William and Mary in 1969 and an M.A. in religious studies from the University of Virginia in 1972. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in 1977 and served as the establishment’s president. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1981.
He was director of the Schusterman Center of Israel Studies and a visiting professor of Near Eastern and Judaic studies at Brandeis University. He was president of HUC-JIR from 2001 to 2013 and was later appointed as chancellor emeritus of the same college until his death.
In 2015, he served as a visiting professor at New York University and was part of the Skirball Department of Judaic Studies from 2015 to 2016. He authored and edited several books and over 300 articles and reviews in the field of Orthodox Judaism, modern Jewish thought and history, history of modern Jewish religious movements, and American Jewish life.
In May 2008, President George W. Bush appointed him to serve on a delegation to accompany him to Jerusalem to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel.
What happened to David Ellenson?
David Ellenson suffered a heart ailment and passed away due to it on December 7, 2023, at the age of 76. He was one of the most influential rabbis in America. His death has left the entire Jewish community in America and worldwide mourning. The community has shared condolences, reminisced on the fondest memories of him on social media, and offered support to the bereaved family.
He touched many lives with his limitless knowledge of Judaism, and they all have acknowledged his contribution to modern Judaism. All those who had the privilege to know him will surely feel his absence. We offer our condolences to the family, friends, and his devoted followers. May he rest in peace.
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