The Pines Family Establishes $1.2 Million Endowment to Honor Rabbi David Ellenson, z”l

Hebrew Union College is proud to announce the establishment of The Pines Family Fund for the Rabbi David Ellenson, z"l Endowment for Jewish Meaning in a Modern World, a $1.2 million endowment dedicated to advancing scholarship, dialogue, and public engagement with modern Jewish thought.

The fund, established by Joan Pines and her children-Debbie, James, Thomas, and Edward-was transferred to Hebrew Union College's Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives (AJA) on the Cincinnati campus. There, it will support initiatives that preserve and extend the legacy of Rabbi David Ellenson, z"l, Chancellor Emeritus and former President of Hebrew Union College, a revered scholar and leader whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Jewish thought.

This new initiative builds on the Pines family's longstanding commitment to Jewish learning and scholarship. Their major gift in 2015 established the Pines School of Graduate Studies in Cincinnati. Following the sunsetting of the Rabbinical Program and the reimagining of the Pines School, and in light of the continued growth of the original endowment, the family thoughtfully sought a new home and purpose for the fund.

Rabbi Ellenson invited Joan Pines to join the Board of Advisors in 2003. She eventually became its chair, and, as such, also served on the Board of Governors. After Rabbi Ellenson's death in December 2023, Joan Pines initiated discussions about a meaningful way to honor her friend and his enduring contributions. Through careful deliberation, the family chose to redirect the endowment to the American Jewish Archives, ensuring an impactful and forward-looking mission.

Advancing Jewish Scholarship and Public Engagement

The Pines Family Fund will support a range of initiatives, including:

• Archival Preservation and Access: Processing, preserving, and increasing accessibility of Rabbi Ellenson's archival collection at the AJA;
• Fellowships: Providing support for senior scholars, students, and researchers studying Rabbi Ellenson's work and related materials;
• Annual Scholarly Workshop: Convening academics, educators, and rabbis to engage deeply with archival and library resources, culminating in public presentations and publications.

Together, these efforts will sustain Rabbi Ellenson's intellectual legacy and foster deeper understanding of Judaism's evolving meaning in the modern world.

A Lasting Legacy

"The creation of this endowment reflects our family's deep admiration for Rabbi Ellenson and our shared belief in the importance of thoughtful, modern engagement with Jewish tradition," said Joan Pines. "We are honored to support future generations of scholars and leaders who will continue to explore and expand these vital conversations."

"My gratitude to Joan Pines and the Pines Family knows no bounds," says Rabbi Jacqueline Ellenson. "This gift is reflective of the great love and respect Joan and David had for each other, and shows deep commitment to preserving and extending David's legacy. I am so proud that the Pines family has chosen to honor David's work as well as honoring Hebrew Union College and the American Jewish Archives with this generous gift."

Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., Gus W. Herrman President and Professor of Political Thought, added: "We are deeply grateful to the Pines family for their extraordinary vision and generosity. This endowment ensures that Rabbi David Ellenson's scholarship and spirit will continue to inspire rigorous inquiry and meaningful dialogue. By supporting preservation, research, and convening scholars, this fund strengthens our mission to illuminate the richness and evolution of Jewish life and thought."

The American Jewish Archives will direct the fund to support the programming. This will ensure that Rabbi Ellenson's work remains a living resource for scholarship and community engagement for years to come.