Leonard Fein facts for kids

Leonard J. Fein (born July 1, 1934 – died August 14, 2014) was an American writer, teacher, and activist. He was also known as Leibel Fein. He focused on important social topics within the Jewish community.

A Teacher and Scholar

Leonard Fein went to the University of Chicago and later earned his PhD from Michigan State University. A PhD is a very high university degree.

In the 1960s, he taught Political Science at MIT. Political Science is the study of how governments work. He also helped lead a special center at MIT and Harvard that studied cities. Later, in 1970, he became a professor at Brandeis University. There, he taught about politics and social issues.

A Leader in the Jewish Community

Leonard Fein was a big leader in the Jewish community. He helped start many important groups. He founded the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy, which helps people learn to read.

He also helped start Moment Magazine and was its editor for 12 years. An editor helps decide what goes into a magazine. Daniel Sokatch, from the New Israel Fund, called him "the father of our Jewish social justice movement." This means he was a key person in helping Jewish people work for fairness and equality.

In 1985, Fein started MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. This group helps feed people who are hungry. He also helped create Americans for Peace Now, which works for peace in the Middle East.

An Author and Columnist

Leonard Fein wrote many things. He wrote four books and edited two others. He also wrote for many newspapers and magazines.

Some of his books include Where Are We? The Inner Life of America’s Jews and Israel: Politics and People. From 1990, he wrote a weekly opinion column for The Forward newspaper. He also wrote for famous publications like The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

His Family

Leonard Fein's father was a professor who taught about Jewish history. His brother was Rashi Fein, a famous health economist. Rashi Fein was even called "a father of Medicare," which is a health program in the United States.

Leonard Fein was married twice and had three daughters named Rachel, Nomi, and Jessie.

Awards and Recognition

Leonard Fein received many awards for his work:

• In 1991, he received an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew Union College.
• In 1994, he won an award for his achievements in Jewish scholarship.
• In 1999, he received the Chernin Award for his lifelong work in social justice.
• In 2000, the University of Chicago gave him an award for his "creative leadership in public service."