Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas Obituary (1924 - 2010)

Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas of St. Paul and Jerusalem, Israel. Born March 2, 1924, St. Louis, MO. Preceded in death by his loving wife Laeh H. Raskas, parents Louis S. & Ruth Raskas, siblings, Bernice Lyons and Ralph Raskas. Survived by children, Hillel Raskas, Eve & Steve Kafitz, David Raskas and Milo Mortenson; grandchildren, Micah and Zach Kafitz, Shoshana, Ezra and Gabriel Raskas; sisters-in-law, Fayga H. Gordon and Natalie Halpern Eichen; many loving nieces and nephews. Rabbi Raskas was a graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, MO, the Jewish Theological Seminary, NY, he was the Rabbi at the Temple of Aaron Synagogue, St. Paul for 38 years, appointed to the President's Commission on the Holocaust, and Professor of Religious Studies at Macalester College for 16 years. During his career he brought innovation, excitement, and interest to religious services, creating new expressions for Jewish liturgy and synagogue life. A prolific writer he was the author of several books, as well as booklets about spirituality, and countless articles. He was known for his enthusiasm, creativity, gift of scholarship and the love of the arts. Rabbi Raskas and his wife, Laeh traveled the world visiting Jewish communities. Funeral service MONDAY 11:00AM, TEMPLE OF AARON SYNAGOGUE, 616 So. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. Interment at Mount of Olives Cemetery, Jerusalem, Israel. Memorials are preferred to the Temple of Aaron Synagogue, United Jewish Fund and Council, or Macalester College. SHIVA, 7 PM Mon. and Tues. at the Temple of Aaron Syn. and 7 PM Wed. at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul.