HOWARD ALLEN BERMAN

BERMAN, Howard Allen Rabbi Howard A. Berman, a visionary leader and advocate for Classical Reform Judaism, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, in Coral Gables, FL, surrounded by his beloved husband, Steven Littlehale and close family and friends. Born in Fair Lawn, NJ, Rabbi Berman dedicated his life to the preservation and renewal of Reform Judaism's rich spiritual traditions and to advocating for social justice. In 1997, he co-founded the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry (RCFM) and he played a pivotal role in advancing marriage equality in Massachusetts. His work contributed to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004. Rabbi Berman was personally part of this historic moment, becoming the first rabbi to be married legally and with federal recognition to his husband, Steven Littlehale. In retirement, Rabbi Berman continued to aspire to shape the Jewish and spiritual world. He established Boston Jewish Spirit in 2004, which later became Central Reform Temple Boston. He served as rabbinic advisor to The Shalom Collaborative in 2021 and supported Classical Reform congregations around the world. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, scholarship and advocacy. Additional details can be found here: https://www.levitt-weinstein.com/obituaries/Howard-Berman-2/#!/Obituary

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