Rabbi Dr. Emanuel Rackman

Emanuel Rackman Obituary

RACKMAN--Rabbi Dr. Emanuel. The entire Yeshiva University family is bereaved by the passing of one of the most distinguished rabbinic alumni of its affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Rabbi Rackman served as a chaplain in World War II, and in the Air Force Reserves thereafter, and was the revered rabbi of Shaaray Tefila Congregation in Far Rockaway and later was spiritual leader of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. He served as a vice president and later as Provost of Yeshiva University, and was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 1961. Most recently, he was Chancellor Emeritus of Bar Ilan University in Israel, after serving for several years as its President, then as Chancellor. He served as President of the New York Board of Rabbis, President of the Rabbinical Council of America and as Chairman of the Commission on Jewish Chaplaincy in the US Armed Forces. He will be long remembered for his outstanding achievements throughout his distinguished career. Heartfelt condolences are extended to his sons: Michael Rackman, Rabbi Bennett Rackman and Joseph Rackman, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to the entire Rackman Family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Richard M. Joel, President Norman Lamm, Chancellor Morry J. Weiss, Chairman, YU Board of Trustees Julius Berman, Chairman, RIETS Board of Trustees

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Emanuel Rackman

8 Entries

Yehoshua Gloger

December 16, 2008

Rabbi Rackman encouraged me to continue my controversial project of criticizing the jesus of christianity. In this, he was a teacher, for showing that jesus was/is un-Jewish is an unpopular topic, bound to make enemies rather than friends. When the second volume of my Jesus Mishegahs series came out (The Jewish Xmas Book) he praised the format, being short, easy-to-read thought units. It's a hard sell, Rabbi Rackman, told me, but "your 'darts' may have an affect... Hopefully our brethren will see the light." Those few words, and the time he took to write them out and put them in a letter to me, encouraged me to stand up to the Jewish jesus-lovers, and encouragement is an essential method of the great teacher. .... .. Sincerely, Yehoshua (Yoesh) Gloger

Tikva (Tiki) Zussman

December 9, 2008

I had the unparalleled “Zechut” of serving as Rabbi Rackman's Executive Assistant for over 15 years whilst he served as President and Chancellor of Bar Ilan University, Israel. Words can not possibly describe my admiration, respect and love for this giant of a man, and, I would dare say, a “Lammed Va'vnik” who roamed the world amongst us all. My husband Ephraim (Effie), children and Grand-Children join me in extending to Michael, Joseph and Bennett and their families, our heart-felt condolences

stephan` greenberg

December 6, 2008

words fail me........a lifetime role model for honesty,intellect,curiosity,true religious observence.........and most important........kindness.Thank you .

Ferne Hassan

December 3, 2008

During my teenage years in NY I would read a column written by Rabbi Rackman that appeared in The Jewish Examiner (?) (predecessor of The Jewish Week) and learn about "all things Jewish" from a man whose passion and sensitivity seemed to seep through the lines. He was one of those special people who imbued me with a love of Judaism and a sense of peoplehood. My sincerest condolences to his children and their families.

Prof. Joshua Schwartz

December 3, 2008

The Ingeborg Rennert Center for Jerusalem Studies, Faculty of Jewish Studies, Bar-Ilan University, mourns the loss of its Chairman of the Board of Overseers.
Rabbi Rackman was a great and courageous man and will be sorely missed by the Jewish People throughout the world.

irwin meltzer

December 3, 2008

I am sorry for your loss, Rabbi Rackman was a cherished friend and will be remembered always.

Irwin Meltzer

Barbara Siskin

December 3, 2008

Sorry the lost of Rabbi Dr. Emanuel Rackman. From The Siskin & Lazarus family.

Rabbi Ronald Gray

December 2, 2008

Boys Town Jerusalem mourns the passing of a most revered, respected and admired religious leader. The scope of Rabbi Rackman's lifetime achievements was boundless and will serve as an enduring legacy and inspiration.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the illustrious Rackman family and to Rabbi Rackman's extended family who are beyond numbers.

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