Rabbi Sheftel Meir Neuberger, the menahel, or president, of Pikesville’s Ner Israel Rabbinical College, died on Feb. 9 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 77.
Rabbi Neuberger was the eldest son of Rabbi Herman Naftali Neuberger, the world-renowned, 88-year-old yeshiva’s president for six decades, who died in 2005.
Rabbi Sheftel Neuberger was the cousin of Dr. Aviva Weisbord, executive director of Shemesh, a local program that provides educational support for Jewish children with learning differences. Weisbord passed away Dec. 25 at age 72 after a battle with COVID-19.
“Rabbi Sheftel Neuberger was a man who earned the respect and regard for which he was known across the community and around the Jewish world,” said Marc B. Terrill, president of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, in a statement. “He continued his father’s legacy in leading Ner Israel to be one of the premier yeshivas in the country. His legacy will continue for generations to come, and The Associated is proud to call him a friend and mentor.”
Rabbi Neuberger — who was named after his grandfather, Rabbi Shabsai Sheftel Kramer, dean of the Cleveland and New Haven Talmudical Colleges — grew up in the Ner Israel community and was a member of the yeshiva’s faculty from 1973 to 1987, when he assumed the role of assistant to the president. In 2005, he succeeded his father as Ner Israel’s president.
In yeshiva circles, he was considered a world-class Torah scholar and lecturer. Like his father, he was also influential in local political circles and informed his students and followers about his political views. For instance, Rabbi Neuberger last year issued a letter of endorsement for Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, as well as for other candidates seeking elected office.
At a Torah dedication ceremony and procession in December of 2013 at Fort Meade, Rabbi Neuberger said, “For the last century and more, the United States has been a welcome home for Jewish people. It affords us the opportunity to practice our religion without interference from the government. … There are many people sitting here today who are graduates of the institution I head and are devoted servants of this country in these facilities. Because we feel so much at home in the United States and feel welcome, there are those who serve it professionally and those of us who keep our contacts with elected officials, and with issues that pertain to the moral compass of our country and in domestic and international affairs. And we feel very beholden to the United States for what it has done for us as a people. That is why this is such a joyous occasion.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School called Rabbi Neuberger ” a beloved communal leader and a dear friend to the Beth Tfiloh community. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Also in a Facebook tribute, Israeli politician Dov Lipman, who received his rabbinical ordination at Ner Israel, wrote, “A great man has passed away. … Rav Sheftel was more than just the president of an illustrious institution. He understood and modeled how one can and must be a great Torah scholar while also mastering how to function in the world. Scholarly yet down to earth. Very spiritual and very normal. It’s a rare balance which the world so desperately needs.”
In a statement, Baltimore County Councilman Israel C. “Izzy” Patoka (D-2nd) said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rabbi Sheftel Meir Neuberger, president of Pikesville’s Ner Israel Rabbinical College. His leadership had a profound impact that stretched well beyond the 2nd District of Baltimore County and touched many lives around the world. I was fortunate to call him a friend.”
Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (D-5th) said of Rabbi Neuberger, “His reach and influence spanned far beyond our community and city, and had a significant impact on many critical issues. If you live in Baltimore, there is a good chance you benefited from his concern, compassion and leadership. May his memory be for a blessing.”
A virtual funeral was held on Feb. 10 for Rabbi Neuberger. To view the service — which was held in the Ner Israel beit midrash, or study hall — visit http://go.nirc.edu/levaya. Due to COVID-19, Ner Israel encouraged people to attend virtually or by phone instead of coming to the yeshiva campus.
Rabbi Neuberger is survived by his wife, Judith Neuberger (nee Bodenheimer); his children, Rabbi Yosef Neuberger, Rabbi Boruch Neuberger, Devora Krakower, Laya Basch, Rabbi Chaim Shimon, Feige Schwebel and Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Neuberger; his brothers, Isaac Neuberger, Rabbi Shraga Neuberger, Yaakov Neuberger and Rabbi Ezra Neuberger; and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to Ner Israel Rabbinical College, 400 Mt. Wilson Lane, Pikesville, Md. 21208.
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