The Orthodox Union mourns the passing of Rabbi Julius Berman, zt”l, beloved husband of Dorothy Berman, and beloved father of Zev and Judy Berman, Myra and Simcha Aminsky, and Eli and Miriam Berman. Julie was a former President of the Orthodox Union (1978-1984), chairman of the OU Kashrus Commission, founding chairman of OU Press, and one of the most significant lay leaders of twentieth century Orthodoxy.
Julie was a devoted communal servant who led numerous organizations and initiatives while simultaneously working as a partner at the Kaye Scholer law firm. Under Julie’s leadership, the OU started a number of important initiatives and founded Yachad, a groundbreaking organization to enhance the lives of Jews with developmental disabilities. His activities and influence outside the OU were remarkably broad and deep, including serving as president of the International Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, chairman of the board at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, and president of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Julie was passionate in disseminating the teachings of his beloved teacher, Rabbi Soloveitchik. Guided by this passion, he helped found the Toras Horav Foundation and OU Press, which have published dozens of books by Rabbi Soloveitchik.