Honoring the Legacy of Rabbi David Ellenson in Jerusalem

On July 20, 2026, Hebrew Union College's Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem hosted A Conference in Memory of David Ellenson: Assessing His Impact, Advancing His Legacy, honoring the life and work of Rabbi David Ellenson, z"l. The event was the second of two conferences celebrating his enduring legacy, following a conference held in New York on September 8-9, 2025.

Bringing together colleagues, students, and friends-many based in Israel-the day offered an opportunity not only to remember Rabbi Ellenson, but also to explore the enduring relevance of his scholarship, leadership, and vision. Four sessions examined his influence across the fields of Halakhah and Jewish thought, marked the publication of The Challenges of Sovereignty: Essays on Israel and Zionism, a new collection of his essays edited by conference co-chairs Rabbi Michael Marmur '92, Ph.D. and David N. Myers, Ph.D., and reflected on his lasting legacy. A fourth session considered the legacy of Rabbi Ellenson, and included a moving presentation on poetry, translation, and bridge-building by Rabbi Rafi Ellenson, the son of Rabbis David and Jackie Ellenson.

The conference concluded with a timely panel on Israel-Diaspora relations moderated by Dean Nachman Shai, Ph.D.; former Knesset Member Ruth Calderon, Ph.D.; the Shalom Hartman Institute's Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Ph.D.; and reporter and researcher Joshua Leifer. Many attendees remarked on the memorable conversation for both its intellectual rigor and emotional richness of the experience.

In reflecting on the conference, co-chairs and Professors Alyssa M. Gray, J.D., Ph.D.; Rabbi Michael Marmur '92, Ph.D.; and David N. Myers, Ph.D. returned to many of the same themes: the extraordinary breadth of Rabbi Ellenson's scholarship and relationships, his deep and nuanced commitment to Israel, and the way the gathering embodied the values that defined his life. Together, they saw the conference as a fitting tribute-one that not only honored his legacy but also reflected the spirit of curiosity, generosity, and meaningful dialogue that he inspired throughout his career.

"The diversity of our panel participants was a true reflection of David's work. [He] was the close friend, colleague, and mentor to a remarkable range of accomplished scholars of varied academic and Jewish commitments. David himself, and the Jerusalem campus, are what drew all these exceptional people together in collegial and intellectually fruitful interactions.

…it was very important to hold this conference in Israel. David remained steadfast in his commitment to maintain the Year-In-Israel, even when doing so seemed to be almost counterintuitive; he combatted pressures to compromise the program.

…his deep attachment to the State of Israel and its peoples was constant and a core part of who he was. The essays David wrote… show that a deep attachment to the State of Israel and its flourishing is fully consistent with a willingness and felt sense of obligation to tell hard truths."

-Alyssa Gray, J.D., Ph.D.
Emily S. and Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman Chair in Rabbinics, Hebrew Union College

"David's first love was research, and he would have loved the rich and warm engagement with his scholarship throughout the day. He would have delighted that this exchange was taking place in Jerusalem, a city he loved deeply.

David was an unreconstructed lover of Zion. He was never happier than when he was in Jerusalem. And yet, he was not uncritical of what he saw unfolding before his eyes. His depth of engagement with Israeli politics and law grew deeper over time. His willingness to pose challenging questions also expanded. We aimed to produce an event that would have stimulated David and made him proud. I am sure that the sight of his son Rafi discussing his Hebrew poetry translations would have brought enormous naches. May the memory of our beloved friend, colleague, and teacher always be a blessing."

-David Myers, Ph.D.
Distinguished Prof. and Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History; Director, UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy; Director, UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute (BKI) who also will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa

"Israel was a major part of David Ellenson's spiritual geography. He was embedded both in the place and its history, and in close relationships with many people. A number of his closest intellectual and personal friendships were located in Jerusalem. I am sure he would have loved each of the sessions at the conference and would have enjoyed private conversations with each of the presenters - as well as most of the members of the audience. Through helping organize these two conferences, I came to appreciate even more deeply the range of David's interests, the depth of his relationships, and the lasting impact he had on so many people."

-Rabbi Michael Marmur '92, Ph.D.
Professor of Jewish Theology, Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem

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