Dear JTS Community,

The Jewish Theological Seminary joins colleagues, friends, family, and students in mourning the passing of Rabbi Eliezer Diamond z”l, the Rabbi Judah Nadich Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, who died last evening at home.   

Rabbi Diamond was an honored scholar, trusted religious and spiritual leader, and transformational Talmudist. 

Rabbi Diamond taught courses in Talmud and Rabbinics at JTS for more than 35 years, retiring approximately one year ago. 

Generations of students were profoundly shaped by his inspiring teaching. His influential writings on prayer, asceticism, rabbinic narrative, and issues of environmental law and ethics have enriched the broader Jewish world. He is the author of Holy Men and Hunger Artists: Fasting and Asceticism in Rabbinic Culture and was at work editing a commentary on Yerushalmi Pesahim written by JTS Professor Louis Ginzberg (z”l). 

Rabbi Diamond was not only an intellectual powerhouse, but had a deeply spiritual core. The combination of his intellect and his sensitivity gave him a unique perspective on how to analyze texts, approach the liturgy, and live as an observant Jew.  As a dean, I saw at close range for decades how devoted he was to his teaching and to his students.  

Provost Jeff Kress shared that Rabbi Diamond’s passing is a profound loss to our community. He said, “The gift of Eliezer was not only in how much he knew, but in how generously he shared that knowledge with all those around him.” 

Rabbi Diamond received his BA, MS, and Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshiva University and earned his PhD in Talmud at JTS. 

We know that many outside the JTS community are grieving as well since Rabbi Diamond’s impact extended far beyond our campus. Students at Stern College, Hadar, Drisha Institute, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, the 92nd Street Y, and several Ramah camps were fortunate to learn from him throughout his long career. 

May Rabbi Diamond’s memory always serve as a blessing for all those whose lives he touched. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz 

Funeral and Shiva Information: 

The funeral will take place on Sunday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Sholom, 354 Maitland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ.

The funeral will also be accessible on Zoom:

Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88073488272?pwd=hDaTmFFeDdORQwz6JyELkQCjXoraRf.1 

Meeting ID: 880 7348 8272

Passcode: 406068

Shiva will be observed as follows:

Location:

Kniaz/Diamond home
1095 Magnolia Road
Teaneck, New Jersey 07666

Sunday, December 14: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Monday, December 15 through Thursday, December 18: 8:00–11:30 a.m., 1:30–5:30 p.m., 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Friday, December 19: 8:00–11:30 am

Shiva Minyanim: 

Sunday through Thursday: Ma'ariv at 8:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Shaharit at 8:00 a.m.

Monday–Thursday: Minhah at 2:00 p.m.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the above address.