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Draft:William Berkowitz

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Portrait of Berkowitz

William Berkowitz (June 28, 1924 - February 3, 2008) was an American conservative Rabbi and educator who served as the Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan. Also known for his Dialogue Forum, he led free public dialogues with world figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Golda Meir, Menachem Begin, Elie Wiesel and Henry Kissinger.[1] Berkowitz also served as the head of the New York Board of Rabbis (1972-1974), President of the Jewish National Fund (1977-1981), and the Bnai Zion (1975-1977). He was also an adviser to several Mayors of New York City.[2]

Early life

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Berkowitz was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a Jewish family of Polish and Russian descent. He served as an officer in the US Navy during the World War II, and after the war, he returned to Philadelphia, where he obtained a Hebrew teaching certificate from Gratz College. He also had his master's degree in education and humanities from Temple University. Berkowitz enrolled into the Jewish Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Rabbi in 1952. [3]

Career

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After graduating from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1952, Rabbi Berkowitz joined Congregation B'nai Jeshurun as Associate Rabbi. In 1960, he succeeded Rabbi Israel Goldstein as Senior Rabbi, a position he held until 1984[4]. At the time, BJ—New York City's second-oldest synagogue—was facing declining membership, as Jewish families relocated to the suburbs[5].

Berkowitz introduced initiatives focused on Jewish education, community engagement, and public programming. In 1952, he founded the Institute of Adult Jewish Studies, which offered courses on Jewish history, philosophy, and ethics. The program expanded significantly by the 1970s, attracting thousands of attendees weekly. He also established the first Conservative Jewish day school in Manhattan[2],, providing both religious and secular instruction to Jewish children.

To extend the synagogue’s reach, Berkowitz introduced pre-recorded radio broadcasts of BJ’s Friday night Shabbat services, making them accessible to a wider audience. He also led BJ in hosting interfaith dialogue programs, political discussions, and cultural events, positioning the synagogue as a venue for broader civic engagement. Under his leadership, BJ hosted figures from diverse backgrounds, contributing to public discussions on Jewish identity, ethics, and global affairs.

Berkowitz was known for adapting Jewish communal life to contemporary challenges, helping BJ maintain an active presence in New York despite shifting demographics. His tenure is credited with reinforcing BJ’s role as a center for Jewish engagement in Manhattan.

Dialogue Forum Series

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In 1960, Berkowitz founded the Dialogue Forum Series, a public discussion program featuring political leaders, scholars, and cultural figures. The forum, initially held at BJ, later moved to larger venues such as Lincoln Center, Town Hall, and the Beacon Theatre, with some events drawing 4,000–5,000 attendees.[2]

Over the course of more than four decades, Berkowitz hosted over 500 guests, including:

Discussions covered topics related to Jewish identity, ethics, civil rights, and global affairs. Berkowitz personally moderated each session, engaging speakers in unscripted discussions.

Community Leadership and Initiatives

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Berkowitz served as President of the New York Board of Rabbis[7] in the early 1970s and held leadership roles in organizations such as Bnai Zion, the Jewish National Fund[8], and Israel Bonds.

He also advised several New York City mayors and participated in the 1969 Forest Hills housing controversy as an intermediary.[9]

Retirement and Legacy

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Berkowitz retired from B’nai Jeshurun in 1983 and continued leading the Dialogue Forum Series until 2005. Many of the dialogues were later published in books.[10]

Marriage and Family

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Rabbi William Berkowitz was married to Florence Berkowitz. They had three children: Perry, Adena, and Leah. He was also a grandfather to five grandchildren.

Death

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Rabbi William Berkowitz passed away from natural causes on February 3, 2008, at the age of 83.[11][12]

References

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  1. ^ "Menahem Begin, on Extremism and Terrorism". The New York Times. May 27, 1977.
  2. ^ a b c Yaffe, Richard (December 14–20, 1975). "When 4,000 adults study...Brave street scenes on West Side to hear intellectuals queried". The Jewish Week. p. 13.
  3. ^ Solomont, E.B. (February 12, 2008). "Rabbi William Berkowitz, 83, 'Bridge Builder' - February 12, 2008 - the New York Sun". The New York Sun. Retrieved February 12, 2008.
  4. ^ Roth, Charles (January 20, 1961). "Appointments". The National Jewish POST and OPINION. p. 9.
  5. ^ Brostoff, Marissa (February 20, 2008). "William Berkowitz, 83, Leading New York Rabbi". Forward.
  6. ^ Berkowitz, William (1981). Rabbi William Berkowitz And Dr. Henry Kissinger: A Dialogue. M. Dworkin, New York.
  7. ^ Dugan, George (December 19, 1965). "RABBI CITES DEBT OWED BY GERMANS; Berkowitz Calls on Erhard to Recognize Obligations". The New York Times.
  8. ^ "Rabbi Takes Fund Post". The New York Times. January 8, 1978.
  9. ^ Schumach, Murray. "Attack on the Mayor Divides Jews Here". The New York Times.
  10. ^ Berkowitz, William (1994). Dialogues in Judaism: Jewish Dilemmas Defined, Debated, and Explored. Jason Aronson, Inc (published April 1, 1994). ISBN 978-0876686546.
  11. ^ "Paid Notice: Deaths BERKOWITZ, RABBI WILLIAM". query.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  12. ^ "William Berkowitz, 83, Leading New York Rabbi". The Forward. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
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