Albert Axelrad, Brandeis Hillel rabbi who championed pluralism and social justice, dies at 87
Although dedicated to egalitarian prayer that offers equal roles for men and women, Axelrad often attended Orthodox and other non-egalitarian services.
Rabbi Albert S. Axelrad, a Reform rabbi and community leader who served as the director of Brandeis University's Hillel Foundation for 34 years, passed away on September 18 at the age of 87. Axelrad was committed to ensuring that students and faculty from all Jewish backgrounds received support and resources to fully participate in Jewish life on campus.
He played a pivotal role in integrating Orthodox voices into the campus community, hiring an Orthodox rabbi and providing space for their prayers. Axelrad also co-founded Havurat Shalom, a non-denominational congregation that championed egalitarian prayer, and was an early advocate for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Throughout his career, Axelrad emphasized the importance of pluralism and social justice, becoming a mentor to countless students and young rabbis.
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