Rabbi Halpern served Congregation B'nai Amoona, St. Louis, Missouri for over 45 years (1917-1962) and he is listed along with other rabbis who served St. Louis congregations. You can find the full list at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS.
__________________________________
OBITUARY
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
St.Louis, Missouri
April 9, 1962
RABBI A. E. HALPERN OF B'NAI AMOONA DIES
Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern, spiritual leader of B'nai Amoona congregation for 45 years, died of a heart ailment last night at Jewish Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Rabbi Halpern, who was born in Toronto, Canada, came to St. Louis in 1917 after being graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He lived at 7147 Washington Boulevard, University City, Missouri.
He was the first rabbi to occupy the pulpit of the B'nai Amoona synagogue at 524 Trinity Avenue, University City, Missouri.
During his 45 years in St. Louis, Rabbi Halpern was active in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He served as president of the St. Louis Rabbinical for several terms and had been chairman of the Zionist Emergency Council.
He was a board member of the St. Louis Federation of Charities, Associated Hebrew Schools, St. Louis Children's Home, Urban League and Va'ad Ho'er. Rabbi Halpern was instrumental in establishing a kosher kitchen at Jewish Hospital.
In 1953, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jewish Theological Seminary in recognition of his contributions in the cause of Judaism.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bess Feinberg Halpern; a son, Rabbi Mordecai Halpern, Oak Park, Michigan; two daughters Mrs. Harry H. Gordon of Baltimore, and Mrs. Bernard S. Raskas, St. Paul, Minn; three sisters Mrs. Harry Cohen of Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs. H. Meyer Goodman, Toronto, Ontario,and Mrs. William Stone, Buffalo, New York, and eight grandchildren.
Because of Rabbi Halpern's death, the synagogue announced that the B'nai Amoona Religious School would not hold classes today, tomorrow or Tuesday. The Tallis and T'fillin service will not be held today. BERGER MEMORIAL officiated
__________________________________
THE GREATEST RABBIS HALL OF FAME
by Rabbi Alex J. Goldman (deceased)
Published 1987
Reproduced with Permission
ABRAHAM E. HALPERN
"Messenger of the Lord"
In the beautiful quadrangle of the towering Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, fountainhead of Conservative Judaism, an impressive historic ceremony takes place one Sunday every June. Before hundreds of renowned scholars, faculty members and parents, young men having pursued many years of intensive study are ordained rabbis in Israel. The Sunday afternoon of June,1953, was somewhat different. An annoying drizzle had transferred the ceremonies to the Julliard School of Music across the street. The exercises were conducted with simple dignity and a proper sense of history. Distinguished Chancellor Louis Finkelstein called each young man, conferred certification, and bestowed the title, Rabbi, Teacher, and Preacher in Israel.
Parents, with understandable pride, felt deeply the spiritual significance of the hour. It is the thrill of a lifetime to see a son become a rabbi of his people, destined to carry on the torch of Judaism.
Among the privileged parents sits a man (Rabbi Isaac Halpern) whose pride in his son Abraham is mixed with tender recollection. Some 36 years before, in 1917, he himself had walked slowly to the president of the Seminary, Dr. Cyrus Adler, and stood before him, and received the same ordination.
The ceremonies proceed. The commencement remarks are charges to the new rabbis, exhorting them to lead with courage and firm determination. They are bidden to accept the sacred obligation to serve God, country and man. Rabbis, new and old, and assemblage listen with rapt attention. History is being formulated here.
The hour has come to recognize those who have served Judaism with unswerving faith. The name Abraham E. Halpern is called. The toga representing an honorary degree is placed over his head and on his shoulders. The chancellor speaks: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, Board of Overseers and Faculties of this Seminary, it is my privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern and Congregation B'nai Amoona of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of this seminary of the year 1917. Rabbi Halpern is one of the graduates of the Seminary to whom all of us are indebted for the preservation and survival of our faith in the Middle West. Called to his present congregation immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary, he has led the community from strength to strength, until it is now one of the foremost congregations not only in that region, but in the country. Throughout his life he has been dedicated to the principles and ideals taught in this Seminary, and has remained a staunch and indefatigable laborer for the preservation and advancement of Torah in this land. His great qualities of human affection and leadership have won him the admiration and love of his own community and of numerous disciples in other communities. Rabbi Isaac Halpern has today the great joy of seeing his son, who follows in his footsteps, being admitted to the ranks of the American Jewish Rabbinate. I am privileged to present Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern as a candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in this Seminary."
As Rabbi Halpern comes forward, the Chancellor addresses the distinguished, pioneering rabbi of America's Middle West: "Rabbi Halpern, your great devotion and dedication to our faith and to our people have stirred in all of us profound emotions of affection, respect, and admiration for you. Grateful to God for the inspiration He has given you, and desiring to express our love for you, the Faculty of the Seminary has voted, and the Board of directors and Board of Overseers have approved, that you be admitted to an honorary degree in this Seminary; by virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Directors of this Seminary by the State of New York, and by them in me, I hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in this seminary and confer on you all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto pertaining."
Then they stand together, father and son, the literal picture of Israel's hope to convey the faith of father to son. It is the great object lesson, two rabbis in Israel, one who had carved his mark deep on the American Jewish community and the second beginning his life's tour of rabbinic duty. Pride and exhilaration sweep through the audience. the words of the psalmist surge: "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God is being served, his people assured of guidance and leadership. The father to son sequence is the symbol of thriving Judaism.
The theme of father and son, basic to Jewish ideology and hope, and expressed in this emotional event, went back to include Rabbi Abraham Halpern's father, also a rabbi in Israel. The elder Rabbi Isaac Halpern together with thousands of immigrants who sought freedom from European harassment and persecution, fled his native land, Austria, in 1888, arriving in America with his wife, Faige, and three children. New York was the first stop but the stay there was brief. Rabbi Isaac moved his family to Toronto, Canada, and there founded and served the Shomray Shabbos Synagogue with accomplishment and achievement that will redound to the glory of God.
Rabbi Abraham Halpern received his secular education in Toronto and attended McMasters College at the University of Toronto where he completed his undergraduate studies. He would then enter the Jewish Theological Seminary where he would receive his Doctor of Divinity and rabbinate ordination.
The life of Rabbi Abraham Halpern was studded with achievement and accomplishment. It redounded and still redounds to the glory of God. This sensitive and spiritual leader passed away on March 26, 1962, but his memory lives on, for in his message and example he re-echoed the message and example of the prophets of old. His creed that of Conservative Judaism, he was ever true to the traditional ritual and ceremonial observances of the ancient faith. He sensed beauty and holiness in all that had been bequeathed by past generations. He turned the hearts of the sons he taught to their fathers, educating the growing American generation to a knowledge and appreciation of the faith that had sustained their parents and grandparents. Thus this uncompromising giant of faith, built (in America's Midwest) a veritable stronghold of Judaism; a landmark for Conservative Judaism in America.
_________________________
Scroll down this page and just below the final photo on the right, click on the access link to reveal more photos. Double-click on any photo image to enlarge it and to reveal any captions, or attributions by scrolling to the bottom of the photo.
_________________________
The rabbi featured on this Find A Grave page is one of many included in a "Virtual Cemetery" of rabbis who've passed but who served on St. Louis pulpits during their rabbinate. The complete "Virtual Cemetery" list can be found at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS. Questions about this "Virtual Cemetery" project may be directed to:
Steven Weinreich
Email: [email protected]
__________________________________
OBITUARY
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
St.Louis, Missouri
April 9, 1962
RABBI A. E. HALPERN OF B'NAI AMOONA DIES
Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern, spiritual leader of B'nai Amoona congregation for 45 years, died of a heart ailment last night at Jewish Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Rabbi Halpern, who was born in Toronto, Canada, came to St. Louis in 1917 after being graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He lived at 7147 Washington Boulevard, University City, Missouri.
He was the first rabbi to occupy the pulpit of the B'nai Amoona synagogue at 524 Trinity Avenue, University City, Missouri.
During his 45 years in St. Louis, Rabbi Halpern was active in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He served as president of the St. Louis Rabbinical for several terms and had been chairman of the Zionist Emergency Council.
He was a board member of the St. Louis Federation of Charities, Associated Hebrew Schools, St. Louis Children's Home, Urban League and Va'ad Ho'er. Rabbi Halpern was instrumental in establishing a kosher kitchen at Jewish Hospital.
In 1953, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jewish Theological Seminary in recognition of his contributions in the cause of Judaism.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bess Feinberg Halpern; a son, Rabbi Mordecai Halpern, Oak Park, Michigan; two daughters Mrs. Harry H. Gordon of Baltimore, and Mrs. Bernard S. Raskas, St. Paul, Minn; three sisters Mrs. Harry Cohen of Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs. H. Meyer Goodman, Toronto, Ontario,and Mrs. William Stone, Buffalo, New York, and eight grandchildren.
Because of Rabbi Halpern's death, the synagogue announced that the B'nai Amoona Religious School would not hold classes today, tomorrow or Tuesday. The Tallis and T'fillin service will not be held today. BERGER MEMORIAL officiated
__________________________________
THE GREATEST RABBIS HALL OF FAME
by Rabbi Alex J. Goldman (deceased)
Published 1987
Reproduced with Permission
ABRAHAM E. HALPERN
"Messenger of the Lord"
In the beautiful quadrangle of the towering Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, fountainhead of Conservative Judaism, an impressive historic ceremony takes place one Sunday every June. Before hundreds of renowned scholars, faculty members and parents, young men having pursued many years of intensive study are ordained rabbis in Israel. The Sunday afternoon of June,1953, was somewhat different. An annoying drizzle had transferred the ceremonies to the Julliard School of Music across the street. The exercises were conducted with simple dignity and a proper sense of history. Distinguished Chancellor Louis Finkelstein called each young man, conferred certification, and bestowed the title, Rabbi, Teacher, and Preacher in Israel.
Parents, with understandable pride, felt deeply the spiritual significance of the hour. It is the thrill of a lifetime to see a son become a rabbi of his people, destined to carry on the torch of Judaism.
Among the privileged parents sits a man (Rabbi Isaac Halpern) whose pride in his son Abraham is mixed with tender recollection. Some 36 years before, in 1917, he himself had walked slowly to the president of the Seminary, Dr. Cyrus Adler, and stood before him, and received the same ordination.
The ceremonies proceed. The commencement remarks are charges to the new rabbis, exhorting them to lead with courage and firm determination. They are bidden to accept the sacred obligation to serve God, country and man. Rabbis, new and old, and assemblage listen with rapt attention. History is being formulated here.
The hour has come to recognize those who have served Judaism with unswerving faith. The name Abraham E. Halpern is called. The toga representing an honorary degree is placed over his head and on his shoulders. The chancellor speaks: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, Board of Overseers and Faculties of this Seminary, it is my privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern and Congregation B'nai Amoona of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of this seminary of the year 1917. Rabbi Halpern is one of the graduates of the Seminary to whom all of us are indebted for the preservation and survival of our faith in the Middle West. Called to his present congregation immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary, he has led the community from strength to strength, until it is now one of the foremost congregations not only in that region, but in the country. Throughout his life he has been dedicated to the principles and ideals taught in this Seminary, and has remained a staunch and indefatigable laborer for the preservation and advancement of Torah in this land. His great qualities of human affection and leadership have won him the admiration and love of his own community and of numerous disciples in other communities. Rabbi Isaac Halpern has today the great joy of seeing his son, who follows in his footsteps, being admitted to the ranks of the American Jewish Rabbinate. I am privileged to present Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern as a candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in this Seminary."
As Rabbi Halpern comes forward, the Chancellor addresses the distinguished, pioneering rabbi of America's Middle West: "Rabbi Halpern, your great devotion and dedication to our faith and to our people have stirred in all of us profound emotions of affection, respect, and admiration for you. Grateful to God for the inspiration He has given you, and desiring to express our love for you, the Faculty of the Seminary has voted, and the Board of directors and Board of Overseers have approved, that you be admitted to an honorary degree in this Seminary; by virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Directors of this Seminary by the State of New York, and by them in me, I hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in this seminary and confer on you all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto pertaining."
Then they stand together, father and son, the literal picture of Israel's hope to convey the faith of father to son. It is the great object lesson, two rabbis in Israel, one who had carved his mark deep on the American Jewish community and the second beginning his life's tour of rabbinic duty. Pride and exhilaration sweep through the audience. the words of the psalmist surge: "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God is being served, his people assured of guidance and leadership. The father to son sequence is the symbol of thriving Judaism.
The theme of father and son, basic to Jewish ideology and hope, and expressed in this emotional event, went back to include Rabbi Abraham Halpern's father, also a rabbi in Israel. The elder Rabbi Isaac Halpern together with thousands of immigrants who sought freedom from European harassment and persecution, fled his native land, Austria, in 1888, arriving in America with his wife, Faige, and three children. New York was the first stop but the stay there was brief. Rabbi Isaac moved his family to Toronto, Canada, and there founded and served the Shomray Shabbos Synagogue with accomplishment and achievement that will redound to the glory of God.
Rabbi Abraham Halpern received his secular education in Toronto and attended McMasters College at the University of Toronto where he completed his undergraduate studies. He would then enter the Jewish Theological Seminary where he would receive his Doctor of Divinity and rabbinate ordination.
The life of Rabbi Abraham Halpern was studded with achievement and accomplishment. It redounded and still redounds to the glory of God. This sensitive and spiritual leader passed away on March 26, 1962, but his memory lives on, for in his message and example he re-echoed the message and example of the prophets of old. His creed that of Conservative Judaism, he was ever true to the traditional ritual and ceremonial observances of the ancient faith. He sensed beauty and holiness in all that had been bequeathed by past generations. He turned the hearts of the sons he taught to their fathers, educating the growing American generation to a knowledge and appreciation of the faith that had sustained their parents and grandparents. Thus this uncompromising giant of faith, built (in America's Midwest) a veritable stronghold of Judaism; a landmark for Conservative Judaism in America.
_________________________
Scroll down this page and just below the final photo on the right, click on the access link to reveal more photos. Double-click on any photo image to enlarge it and to reveal any captions, or attributions by scrolling to the bottom of the photo.
_________________________
The rabbi featured on this Find A Grave page is one of many included in a "Virtual Cemetery" of rabbis who've passed but who served on St. Louis pulpits during their rabbinate. The complete "Virtual Cemetery" list can be found at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS. Questions about this "Virtual Cemetery" project may be directed to:
Steven Weinreich
Email: [email protected]
Rabbi Halpern served Congregation B'nai Amoona, St. Louis, Missouri for over 45 years (1917-1962) and he is listed along with other rabbis who served St. Louis congregations. You can find the full list at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS.
__________________________________
OBITUARY
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
St.Louis, Missouri
April 9, 1962
RABBI A. E. HALPERN OF B'NAI AMOONA DIES
Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern, spiritual leader of B'nai Amoona congregation for 45 years, died of a heart ailment last night at Jewish Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Rabbi Halpern, who was born in Toronto, Canada, came to St. Louis in 1917 after being graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He lived at 7147 Washington Boulevard, University City, Missouri.
He was the first rabbi to occupy the pulpit of the B'nai Amoona synagogue at 524 Trinity Avenue, University City, Missouri.
During his 45 years in St. Louis, Rabbi Halpern was active in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He served as president of the St. Louis Rabbinical for several terms and had been chairman of the Zionist Emergency Council.
He was a board member of the St. Louis Federation of Charities, Associated Hebrew Schools, St. Louis Children's Home, Urban League and Va'ad Ho'er. Rabbi Halpern was instrumental in establishing a kosher kitchen at Jewish Hospital.
In 1953, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jewish Theological Seminary in recognition of his contributions in the cause of Judaism.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bess Feinberg Halpern; a son, Rabbi Mordecai Halpern, Oak Park, Michigan; two daughters Mrs. Harry H. Gordon of Baltimore, and Mrs. Bernard S. Raskas, St. Paul, Minn; three sisters Mrs. Harry Cohen of Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs. H. Meyer Goodman, Toronto, Ontario,and Mrs. William Stone, Buffalo, New York, and eight grandchildren.
Because of Rabbi Halpern's death, the synagogue announced that the B'nai Amoona Religious School would not hold classes today, tomorrow or Tuesday. The Tallis and T'fillin service will not be held today. BERGER MEMORIAL officiated
__________________________________
THE GREATEST RABBIS HALL OF FAME
by Rabbi Alex J. Goldman (deceased)
Published 1987
Reproduced with Permission
ABRAHAM E. HALPERN
"Messenger of the Lord"
In the beautiful quadrangle of the towering Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, fountainhead of Conservative Judaism, an impressive historic ceremony takes place one Sunday every June. Before hundreds of renowned scholars, faculty members and parents, young men having pursued many years of intensive study are ordained rabbis in Israel. The Sunday afternoon of June,1953, was somewhat different. An annoying drizzle had transferred the ceremonies to the Julliard School of Music across the street. The exercises were conducted with simple dignity and a proper sense of history. Distinguished Chancellor Louis Finkelstein called each young man, conferred certification, and bestowed the title, Rabbi, Teacher, and Preacher in Israel.
Parents, with understandable pride, felt deeply the spiritual significance of the hour. It is the thrill of a lifetime to see a son become a rabbi of his people, destined to carry on the torch of Judaism.
Among the privileged parents sits a man (Rabbi Isaac Halpern) whose pride in his son Abraham is mixed with tender recollection. Some 36 years before, in 1917, he himself had walked slowly to the president of the Seminary, Dr. Cyrus Adler, and stood before him, and received the same ordination.
The ceremonies proceed. The commencement remarks are charges to the new rabbis, exhorting them to lead with courage and firm determination. They are bidden to accept the sacred obligation to serve God, country and man. Rabbis, new and old, and assemblage listen with rapt attention. History is being formulated here.
The hour has come to recognize those who have served Judaism with unswerving faith. The name Abraham E. Halpern is called. The toga representing an honorary degree is placed over his head and on his shoulders. The chancellor speaks: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, Board of Overseers and Faculties of this Seminary, it is my privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern and Congregation B'nai Amoona of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of this seminary of the year 1917. Rabbi Halpern is one of the graduates of the Seminary to whom all of us are indebted for the preservation and survival of our faith in the Middle West. Called to his present congregation immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary, he has led the community from strength to strength, until it is now one of the foremost congregations not only in that region, but in the country. Throughout his life he has been dedicated to the principles and ideals taught in this Seminary, and has remained a staunch and indefatigable laborer for the preservation and advancement of Torah in this land. His great qualities of human affection and leadership have won him the admiration and love of his own community and of numerous disciples in other communities. Rabbi Isaac Halpern has today the great joy of seeing his son, who follows in his footsteps, being admitted to the ranks of the American Jewish Rabbinate. I am privileged to present Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern as a candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in this Seminary."
As Rabbi Halpern comes forward, the Chancellor addresses the distinguished, pioneering rabbi of America's Middle West: "Rabbi Halpern, your great devotion and dedication to our faith and to our people have stirred in all of us profound emotions of affection, respect, and admiration for you. Grateful to God for the inspiration He has given you, and desiring to express our love for you, the Faculty of the Seminary has voted, and the Board of directors and Board of Overseers have approved, that you be admitted to an honorary degree in this Seminary; by virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Directors of this Seminary by the State of New York, and by them in me, I hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in this seminary and confer on you all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto pertaining."
Then they stand together, father and son, the literal picture of Israel's hope to convey the faith of father to son. It is the great object lesson, two rabbis in Israel, one who had carved his mark deep on the American Jewish community and the second beginning his life's tour of rabbinic duty. Pride and exhilaration sweep through the audience. the words of the psalmist surge: "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God is being served, his people assured of guidance and leadership. The father to son sequence is the symbol of thriving Judaism.
The theme of father and son, basic to Jewish ideology and hope, and expressed in this emotional event, went back to include Rabbi Abraham Halpern's father, also a rabbi in Israel. The elder Rabbi Isaac Halpern together with thousands of immigrants who sought freedom from European harassment and persecution, fled his native land, Austria, in 1888, arriving in America with his wife, Faige, and three children. New York was the first stop but the stay there was brief. Rabbi Isaac moved his family to Toronto, Canada, and there founded and served the Shomray Shabbos Synagogue with accomplishment and achievement that will redound to the glory of God.
Rabbi Abraham Halpern received his secular education in Toronto and attended McMasters College at the University of Toronto where he completed his undergraduate studies. He would then enter the Jewish Theological Seminary where he would receive his Doctor of Divinity and rabbinate ordination.
The life of Rabbi Abraham Halpern was studded with achievement and accomplishment. It redounded and still redounds to the glory of God. This sensitive and spiritual leader passed away on March 26, 1962, but his memory lives on, for in his message and example he re-echoed the message and example of the prophets of old. His creed that of Conservative Judaism, he was ever true to the traditional ritual and ceremonial observances of the ancient faith. He sensed beauty and holiness in all that had been bequeathed by past generations. He turned the hearts of the sons he taught to their fathers, educating the growing American generation to a knowledge and appreciation of the faith that had sustained their parents and grandparents. Thus this uncompromising giant of faith, built (in America's Midwest) a veritable stronghold of Judaism; a landmark for Conservative Judaism in America.
_________________________
Scroll down this page and just below the final photo on the right, click on the access link to reveal more photos. Double-click on any photo image to enlarge it and to reveal any captions, or attributions by scrolling to the bottom of the photo.
_________________________
The rabbi featured on this Find A Grave page is one of many included in a "Virtual Cemetery" of rabbis who've passed but who served on St. Louis pulpits during their rabbinate. The complete "Virtual Cemetery" list can be found at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS. Questions about this "Virtual Cemetery" project may be directed to:
Steven Weinreich
Email: [email protected]
__________________________________
OBITUARY
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
St.Louis, Missouri
April 9, 1962
RABBI A. E. HALPERN OF B'NAI AMOONA DIES
Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern, spiritual leader of B'nai Amoona congregation for 45 years, died of a heart ailment last night at Jewish Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Rabbi Halpern, who was born in Toronto, Canada, came to St. Louis in 1917 after being graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He lived at 7147 Washington Boulevard, University City, Missouri.
He was the first rabbi to occupy the pulpit of the B'nai Amoona synagogue at 524 Trinity Avenue, University City, Missouri.
During his 45 years in St. Louis, Rabbi Halpern was active in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He served as president of the St. Louis Rabbinical for several terms and had been chairman of the Zionist Emergency Council.
He was a board member of the St. Louis Federation of Charities, Associated Hebrew Schools, St. Louis Children's Home, Urban League and Va'ad Ho'er. Rabbi Halpern was instrumental in establishing a kosher kitchen at Jewish Hospital.
In 1953, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jewish Theological Seminary in recognition of his contributions in the cause of Judaism.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bess Feinberg Halpern; a son, Rabbi Mordecai Halpern, Oak Park, Michigan; two daughters Mrs. Harry H. Gordon of Baltimore, and Mrs. Bernard S. Raskas, St. Paul, Minn; three sisters Mrs. Harry Cohen of Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs. H. Meyer Goodman, Toronto, Ontario,and Mrs. William Stone, Buffalo, New York, and eight grandchildren.
Because of Rabbi Halpern's death, the synagogue announced that the B'nai Amoona Religious School would not hold classes today, tomorrow or Tuesday. The Tallis and T'fillin service will not be held today. BERGER MEMORIAL officiated
__________________________________
THE GREATEST RABBIS HALL OF FAME
by Rabbi Alex J. Goldman (deceased)
Published 1987
Reproduced with Permission
ABRAHAM E. HALPERN
"Messenger of the Lord"
In the beautiful quadrangle of the towering Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, fountainhead of Conservative Judaism, an impressive historic ceremony takes place one Sunday every June. Before hundreds of renowned scholars, faculty members and parents, young men having pursued many years of intensive study are ordained rabbis in Israel. The Sunday afternoon of June,1953, was somewhat different. An annoying drizzle had transferred the ceremonies to the Julliard School of Music across the street. The exercises were conducted with simple dignity and a proper sense of history. Distinguished Chancellor Louis Finkelstein called each young man, conferred certification, and bestowed the title, Rabbi, Teacher, and Preacher in Israel.
Parents, with understandable pride, felt deeply the spiritual significance of the hour. It is the thrill of a lifetime to see a son become a rabbi of his people, destined to carry on the torch of Judaism.
Among the privileged parents sits a man (Rabbi Isaac Halpern) whose pride in his son Abraham is mixed with tender recollection. Some 36 years before, in 1917, he himself had walked slowly to the president of the Seminary, Dr. Cyrus Adler, and stood before him, and received the same ordination.
The ceremonies proceed. The commencement remarks are charges to the new rabbis, exhorting them to lead with courage and firm determination. They are bidden to accept the sacred obligation to serve God, country and man. Rabbis, new and old, and assemblage listen with rapt attention. History is being formulated here.
The hour has come to recognize those who have served Judaism with unswerving faith. The name Abraham E. Halpern is called. The toga representing an honorary degree is placed over his head and on his shoulders. The chancellor speaks: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, Board of Overseers and Faculties of this Seminary, it is my privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern and Congregation B'nai Amoona of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of this seminary of the year 1917. Rabbi Halpern is one of the graduates of the Seminary to whom all of us are indebted for the preservation and survival of our faith in the Middle West. Called to his present congregation immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary, he has led the community from strength to strength, until it is now one of the foremost congregations not only in that region, but in the country. Throughout his life he has been dedicated to the principles and ideals taught in this Seminary, and has remained a staunch and indefatigable laborer for the preservation and advancement of Torah in this land. His great qualities of human affection and leadership have won him the admiration and love of his own community and of numerous disciples in other communities. Rabbi Isaac Halpern has today the great joy of seeing his son, who follows in his footsteps, being admitted to the ranks of the American Jewish Rabbinate. I am privileged to present Rabbi Abraham E. Halpern as a candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in this Seminary."
As Rabbi Halpern comes forward, the Chancellor addresses the distinguished, pioneering rabbi of America's Middle West: "Rabbi Halpern, your great devotion and dedication to our faith and to our people have stirred in all of us profound emotions of affection, respect, and admiration for you. Grateful to God for the inspiration He has given you, and desiring to express our love for you, the Faculty of the Seminary has voted, and the Board of directors and Board of Overseers have approved, that you be admitted to an honorary degree in this Seminary; by virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Directors of this Seminary by the State of New York, and by them in me, I hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in this seminary and confer on you all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto pertaining."
Then they stand together, father and son, the literal picture of Israel's hope to convey the faith of father to son. It is the great object lesson, two rabbis in Israel, one who had carved his mark deep on the American Jewish community and the second beginning his life's tour of rabbinic duty. Pride and exhilaration sweep through the audience. the words of the psalmist surge: "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God is being served, his people assured of guidance and leadership. The father to son sequence is the symbol of thriving Judaism.
The theme of father and son, basic to Jewish ideology and hope, and expressed in this emotional event, went back to include Rabbi Abraham Halpern's father, also a rabbi in Israel. The elder Rabbi Isaac Halpern together with thousands of immigrants who sought freedom from European harassment and persecution, fled his native land, Austria, in 1888, arriving in America with his wife, Faige, and three children. New York was the first stop but the stay there was brief. Rabbi Isaac moved his family to Toronto, Canada, and there founded and served the Shomray Shabbos Synagogue with accomplishment and achievement that will redound to the glory of God.
Rabbi Abraham Halpern received his secular education in Toronto and attended McMasters College at the University of Toronto where he completed his undergraduate studies. He would then enter the Jewish Theological Seminary where he would receive his Doctor of Divinity and rabbinate ordination.
The life of Rabbi Abraham Halpern was studded with achievement and accomplishment. It redounded and still redounds to the glory of God. This sensitive and spiritual leader passed away on March 26, 1962, but his memory lives on, for in his message and example he re-echoed the message and example of the prophets of old. His creed that of Conservative Judaism, he was ever true to the traditional ritual and ceremonial observances of the ancient faith. He sensed beauty and holiness in all that had been bequeathed by past generations. He turned the hearts of the sons he taught to their fathers, educating the growing American generation to a knowledge and appreciation of the faith that had sustained their parents and grandparents. Thus this uncompromising giant of faith, built (in America's Midwest) a veritable stronghold of Judaism; a landmark for Conservative Judaism in America.
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The rabbi featured on this Find A Grave page is one of many included in a "Virtual Cemetery" of rabbis who've passed but who served on St. Louis pulpits during their rabbinate. The complete "Virtual Cemetery" list can be found at SAINT LOUIS RABBIS. Questions about this "Virtual Cemetery" project may be directed to:
Steven Weinreich
Email: [email protected]
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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