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ALAN MILLER Obituary

MILLER--Rabbi Alan W., Ph.D., passed away peacefully on August 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, including Naomi, his wife of 59 years. He is survived by his children, Jonathan, Esty, Susanna, Ron, David, Adam, Diana, and five grandchildren. Born in Hull, England, son of Rabbi Louis Miller and Bessie (Champagne), he was educated at Balliol College, University of Oxford, and Jews College. He also served as Chaplain in Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the U.K. and Egypt. He was a Rabbi on both sides of the Atlantic - as founder of the South West Essex Reform Synagogue in Ilford; Assistant Rabbi and Youth Director at the West London Synagogue; and Rabbi and Teacher at the Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ) in New York City, founded by Mordechai Kaplan. As a scholar and educator, he lectured on Jewish and secular texts at numerous venues, including the New School for Social Research, where he taught for nearly 20 years and was a Director of the New York Salon. He is the author of God of Daniel S.: In Search of the American Jew (1969). While Rabbi of the SAJ, Dr. Miller trained at the New York Freudian Society and Training Institute, and practiced as a psychoanalyst on Manhattan's Upper West Side. He was also a Clinical Associate Professor of Theology in Psychiatry at Cornell Medical Center. At the SAJ, he pioneered the concept and practice of the "open microphone." His ideas and spirit live on in more than 600 digitized recorded sermons, from 1968 to 1992, which are housed at several institutions, including the American Jewish Historical Society. Funeral will be held at Plaza Memorial Chapel at 10:30am on Monday. Shiva will be Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 9pm at 40 West 86 Street #12B.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Aug. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for ALAN MILLER

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Lynn Somerstein

August 8, 2024

Still miss him and miss hearing his points of view.

Lynn Somerstein

August 8, 2023

Missing him still.

Lynn Somerstein

August 8, 2022

Often wonder what Rabbi Miller would have to say about things.

Mark Somerstein

September 10, 2016

Dear Naomi, I was saddenef to hear of Alan's passing. He was a great influence on my life. Condolences,Mark Somerstein

Lynn Somerstein

September 10, 2016

A strong and honest man. Brilliant and free.

Bernard Davis

August 23, 2016

Dear Naomi,

So sorry to hear of the death of Alan. He was very much my teacher and also teacher to a whole generation who ultimately became leaders in their communities and in the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain. He had tremendous charisma and his influence as first rabbi of the South-West Essex Reform Synagogue was enormous. His help and friendship to me as chairman of a new congregation is something I have never forgotten and the early success in building the community was very much due to him.

My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time.

Bernard Davis.

marilyn Sande

August 22, 2016

dear Naomi
I am so sorry about Alan's death - such a brilliant, complicated man. I hope he had a peaceful end. I'd be happy to take you out to lunch if you want to go.
Richard, Amy and I send our heartfelt condolences.
warmest regards
Marilyn Sande

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