The Museum family has experienced yet another loss. Fred Gottschalk passed away Saturday, September 12 in Cincinnati.
Dr. Gottschalk or “Dr. G” as he was known on staff, was President of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust after four decades as dean, then president, and finally chancellor of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. In fact, he was synonymous with its ideals and development, and oversaw expansion of campuses in LA, Cincinnati, New York, and Jerusalem. Among his other momentous accomplishments at HUC is the fact that he ordained the first woman rabbi in the United States, Sally Priesand, and the first woman cantor. His monumental contributions to Jewish life and education and to the work of generations of rabbis will be ever-lasting.
Dr. Gottschalk stepped down as president of the Museum in 2001. He was named a Senior Fellow and was elected to the Board of Trustees soon after. He was also one of the founders of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, appointed first by Jimmy Carter, and then reappointed by Presidents Reagan and Clinton.
When he took the reins of MJH in January 2000, Dr. Gottschalk affirmed his commitment to the institution, saying that it “transcends religious, ethnic, and denominational differences. It is inclusive of Jewish diversity, giving each group its voice and respect. It brings to life the American and global Jewish experiences of our day.”
Dr. G was a pioneering educator and Judaic scholar, and we will miss his devotion to Holocaust education and remembrance. The entire Jewish communal world is mourning this tremendous loss.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna; two children, Marc Gottschalk and Rachel Brenner; two stepchildren, Charles Frank and Andrew Frank; and nine grandchildren.
Dr. Gottschalk or “Dr. G” as he was known on staff, was President of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust after four decades as dean, then president, and finally chancellor of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. In fact, he was synonymous with its ideals and development, and oversaw expansion of campuses in LA, Cincinnati, New York, and Jerusalem. Among his other momentous accomplishments at HUC is the fact that he ordained the first woman rabbi in the United States, Sally Priesand, and the first woman cantor. His monumental contributions to Jewish life and education and to the work of generations of rabbis will be ever-lasting.
Dr. Gottschalk stepped down as president of the Museum in 2001. He was named a Senior Fellow and was elected to the Board of Trustees soon after. He was also one of the founders of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, appointed first by Jimmy Carter, and then reappointed by Presidents Reagan and Clinton.
When he took the reins of MJH in January 2000, Dr. Gottschalk affirmed his commitment to the institution, saying that it “transcends religious, ethnic, and denominational differences. It is inclusive of Jewish diversity, giving each group its voice and respect. It brings to life the American and global Jewish experiences of our day.”
Dr. G was a pioneering educator and Judaic scholar, and we will miss his devotion to Holocaust education and remembrance. The entire Jewish communal world is mourning this tremendous loss.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna; two children, Marc Gottschalk and Rachel Brenner; two stepchildren, Charles Frank and Andrew Frank; and nine grandchildren.
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, the institution that Dr. Gottschalk helped shape for nearly half-a-century, has posted this tribute.
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