Zvi Dershowitz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zvi Dershowitz
|
|
|---|---|
2014
|
|
| Born |
Hugo Zvi Dershowitz
May 4, 1928 Brno, Czechoslovakia
|
| Died | March 26, 2023 (aged 94) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Rabbi at Sinai Temple |
| Spouse(s) | Tova |
| Children | 4 |
.png)
Zvi Dershowitz (May 4, 1928 – March 26, 2023) was an American rabbi who was born in Czechoslovakia. He was known for serving at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles for 50 years.
Early Life and Escape
Zvi Dershowitz was born in Brno, Czechoslovakia, in 1928. When he was just 10 years old, his family had to leave their home. They fled the country in 1938, only 33 days before the Nazis invaded.
On February 2, 1939, Zvi, his parents (Aaron and Ruth), and his sister Lili moved to New York City. They settled in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. There, Zvi learned English and studied to become a rabbi. He became a rabbi in 1953. Even though he was trained in Orthodox Judaism, he chose to be a Conservative rabbi throughout his life.
In 1949, Dershowitz spent a year studying in Jerusalem. While there, he helped Jewish refugees from Yemen and other places in the new State of Israel. He met his future wife, Tova, while working for a summer camp. They got married in 1953.
A Career of Service
Before joining Sinai Temple, Rabbi Dershowitz worked at other temples. He was a rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Kansas City, Missouri. Later, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota to serve at the Temple of Aaron.
Rabbi Dershowitz also directed many Jewish summer camps. He led Herzl Camp in Wisconsin from 1954 to 1961. He then directed Camp Alonim/Brandeis-Bardin Institute in California from 1961 to 1963. He was the director of Camp Ramah in California for 10 years, from 1963 to 1973. This made him the longest-serving director in that camp's history.
In 1973, Rabbi Dershowitz became an associate rabbi at Sinai Temple. He stayed in this role for 25 years. In 1998, he became the synagogue's Rabbi Emeritus, meaning he was a retired rabbi who still held an honorary position. He also stepped in as the main rabbi when needed.
During his time at Sinai Temple, Rabbi Dershowitz helped many people. In 1979, he helped Iranian Jews who were leaving their country to come to the United States. He welcomed them to the community and helped them get used to life in America. As an immigrant himself, he believed that "every Jew is responsible for every other Jew." He was also known for helping the community during difficult times.
Rabbi Dershowitz retired from leading services after 25 years. However, he continued to work with young people preparing for their bar or bat mitzvah. He also performed important life events like baby namings, weddings, and funerals.
For many years, Rabbi Dershowitz also served as a chaplain for the Los Angeles jail system. He helped lead services for Jewish inmates.
Family Life
Rabbi Dershowitz was related to Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz. He and his wife Tova had four children. They also had nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Rabbi Dershowitz passed away on March 26, 2023, at the age of 94.
