Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, who served as the dean of the rabbinical seminary at Yeshiva University for 37 years, passed away on January 16 at the age of 94. Throughout his tenure as dean, Charlop oversaw a period of remarkable growth for the Modern Orthodox institution.
When Charlop assumed the position of dean at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in 1971, the seminary had just 154 students. However, by the time of his retirement in 2008, the student body had grown to 340. This expansion was a testament to Charlop’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving community of scholars.
Under Charlop’s leadership, Yeshiva University underwent a significant transition in American Orthodoxy. He played a crucial role in training a new generation of American-born, college-educated rabbis to succeed the European-trained rabbis who had previously held influential positions within the community. Charlop recognized the importance of combining Jewish and secular learning, and he believed that Orthodox Jews should actively engage with society without compromising their religious values.
Charlop’s vision for Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary was to create a place of intense Torah scholarship while also encouraging students and faculty to actively participate in the broader community. He wanted to produce rabbis who could relate to Jews from all walks of life, both in the United States and around the world. His dedication to this vision was evident in the growth and success of the seminary during his tenure.
In addition to his role as dean, Charlop served as a pulpit rabbi at Young Israel of Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx, New York. He led the synagogue through a challenging period marked by declining fortunes and the migration of many Jewish families to the suburbs. Despite these challenges, Charlop remained committed to his congregation, and his leadership helped sustain the synagogue for many years.
Charlop was widely regarded as an authority on Torah and Talmud. He also lectured on American history, drawing connections between historical events and religious teachings. He authored several scholarly essays and edited three novellas written by his late father, who was also a respected rabbi.
Throughout his career, Charlop remained deeply committed to his faith and his community. He supported various Jewish causes, including the fight for Soviet Jewry and the State of Israel. He believed in the importance of maintaining a strong core of Torah learning while engaging with the wider world.
After his retirement, Charlop continued to serve as dean emeritus and special advisor on yeshiva affairs to Yeshiva University’s then-president Richard M. Joel. He lived in the Bronx for most of his life before relocating to Monsey, New York, to be closer to his family.
Charlop is survived by his two sons, Rabbi Alexander Ziskind Charlop and Rabbi Zev Charlop, and six daughters, Peshi Neuburger, Leebee Rochelle Becher, Annie Riva Charlop, Shoshana Schneider, Zipporah Raymon, and Miriam Reiss. His wife, Judith, passed away in 1999.
Rabbi Zevulun Charlop’s dedication to Torah scholarship and his commitment to the Jewish community left a lasting impact on Yeshiva University and the wider Orthodox community. His legacy will be remembered and cherished by all those who had the privilege of knowing him..
