Rabbi Jack Bloom Ph.D.

Bloom Ph.D, Rabbi Jack
Rabbi Jack H. Bloom, Ph.D, age 83 of Fairfield, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones. Jack Bloom was an exemplar of a man, and a true mensch. He was born in Jersey City, NJ, a son of the late Samuel and Sally Bloom, and graduated as a Rabbi from the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC, received his D.D. from the Seminary and later received his Ph.D in Psychology from Columbia University. Jack was instrumental in guiding Congregation Beth El in the early years, and as a founding member and its former Rabbi, Jack introduced many remarkable programs to the congregation. He listened to and aided many. Among his favorite moments were marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama in 1965, and the year he lived in Jerusalem, Israel, working as a clinical psychologist. He loved the opera and theater, and appreciated culture and the arts. Jack started the successful Psychotherapy Center of Fairfield, where he worked until he retired last year at the age of 82. He published numerous articles and books, including The Rabbi as Symbolic Exemplar, which offered his unique insights and counsel to his fellow clergy, and which has been used in every Jewish Seminary in the United States. He was known as the Rabbi's Rabbi. He loved to play with the spoken and written word and was a master of puns. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ingrid, his devoted daughters, Rachel Faiga and her husband Oren, Rebecca Bloom, his adored grandchildren Ben, Lee and Elle, his stepson Kenneth Baker and family, stepdaughter Kirsten Lambert and family, and by his cherished older brother Saul "Ace" Bloom and family.
Jack lived an adventurous, fruitful and extraordinary life: "He did it his way." His family forever will miss his sense of humor and kindness. Funeral services will take place Friday (TODAY) May 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM from Congregation Beth EL 1200 Fairfield Woods Road in Fairfield, with interment following at Beth EL Cemetery on Reid Street. Shiva will be held at the Bloom residence in Fairfield, on Saturday, May 28 at 9:00 PM, and Sunday, May 29 through Wednesday, June 1 at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rabbi Jack Bloom Scholarship Fund at Congregation Beth El in Fairfield or to The Museum Fund at Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport.