Deceased July 11, 2020

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In Memory

Rabbi Joel Matthew Chazin died on July 11, 2020, in Cleveland from COVID-19. His life was dedicated to the study and teachings of Jewish religion, ideas and culture and to the number of congregations that he passionately served throughout his life.

Born in Jamaica Estates, N.Y., in 1935, Joel graduated as valedictorian of Jamaica High School and received a full academic scholarship to Amherst. He majored in history, graduated cum laude, rowed on the crew team and was a member of Theta Delta Chi. After graduation, he spent one year at Harvard Law School before deciding to enter the rabbinate instead and subsequently matriculated at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.

In 1967, Joel married Linda Levine, a spirited artist and art educator. She stood by his side as friend and partner for the many decades of their marriage. He officiated with devotion at congregations in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Florida. However, his happiest times were the last 20 years he spent as chaplain to the residents and staff at the Montefiore Nursing Home in Cleveland. What characterized his rabbinic life were the profound sermons he delivered throughout his career. They were imbued with Biblical and Talmudic scholarship as well as his deep love of American and European history and literature. He sought ways to help his congregants see the beauty and complexity of human relationships and to hold on to the unwavering tolerance that must soften our decisions in times of conflict. In addition, Joel was fiercely loyal to the Jewish people everywhere and to the state of Israel.

He leaves behind his wife, Linda; a sister, Judith Bennahum, of Albuquerque, N.M.; three children, Shoshana, Shayna and Aryeh; and five grandchildren, Willow, Annie, Zev, Eli and Aliza.

Judith Bennahum, Leonard Prosnitz ’57 and George Mathewson ’57