The Shalom Hartman Institute mourns the passing of Edgar M. Bronfman at 84 on Dec. 21, 2013. Mr. Bronfman and the Samuel Bronfman Foundation were longtime supporters of the Institute. Mr. Bronfman was a champion of Jewish causes around the world and devoted his philanthropic efforts to improving the lives of Jews.
Hartman Institute President Dr. Donniel Hartman said Edgar Bronfman was a unique individual who loved Judaism and the Jewish people deeply.
"He understood that the future of Jewish life was going to require new thinking," Donniel said. "He loved to challenge himself and others to go beyond common assumptions and presuppositions. In a generation where Jewish continuity was all the rage, Edgar challenged us all to move beyond continuity to a renaissance in Jewish life. His courage, intelligence, audacity, and commitment will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing."
Shalom Hartman Institute of North America President Yehuda Kurtzer said Edgar Bronfman introduced him to Jewish pluralism through the Bronfman Youth Fellowships.
"The program brought me into contact with some of my most formative teachers." Yehuda said. "It was an honor to teach in his Talmud class, and to collaborate programmatically with him as part of his longstanding friendship with and support for the Shalom Hartman institute. All those involved in the work of deep and applied Jewish learning, and the culture of pluralism in the Jewish community, owe a deep debt of gratitude to Edgar for paving the way with tenacity and conviction. He will be deeply missed."