Rabbi Rosenberg leaving Beth El after 26 years

Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg will leave Congregation Beth El in Edison on Sept. 1, after 26 years as religious leader at the Conservative synagogue.

Rosenberg will become director of the Palestinian Authority Anti-Semitism Study Project for the Center for Near East Policy Research in Jerusalem. Although he will continue to live in Edison and be involved in community activities, he will be tasked with investigating and publicizing official policies of the Palestinian Authority that promote anti-Semitism.

“I will continue writing books, articles, and giving lectures and performing rabbinical duties for the community and those out of the community, such as funerals, unveilings, and weddings,” said Rosenberg. “I am happy that I will now have more time to play with my eight grandchildren. I enjoy participating on radio and TV shows and now will have more time to do so.

“I wish Congregation Beth El members good health and success and thank them for making me rabbi emeritus.”

Rosenberg is the longtime chaplain for Edison, serving the police and fire departments and emergency services. He received the Chaplain of the Year Award from the New York Board of Rabbis for his efforts during and following the 9/11 terror attacks.

The son of Holocaust survivors who was born in a displaced persons’ camp in Germany, Rosenberg is a member of the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education and has written hundreds of articles on the Shoa, as well as compiled the Rosenberg Holocaust Siddur, Rosenberg Holocaust Haggadah, and The Holocaust as Seen through Film.

Other publications he has written or edited include: Theological and Halachic Reflections on the Holocaust and What the Holocaust Means to Me: Teenagers Speak Out.

Rosenberg formerly was president of the Metuchen-Edison Interfaith Clergy Association, professor of communications at Yeshiva University, and lecturer in the communications department at Rutgers University.

He received his ordination and doctorate in education from Yeshiva University and a doctor of divinity degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Rosenberg and his wife, Charlene, have four children and eight grandchildren, with another one on the way.