Rabbi Bernard James Robinson

Bernard James Robinson

In Memoriam - One Year

April 1934 - September 2025

Rabbi Bernard J. Robinson devoted himself to Jewish education and communal leadership. He worked 18 years as a congregational rabbi, followed by 18 years as a chaplain. He served in the pulpit and religious schools of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond, Calif. and Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, Ill. He was affiliated with many Jewish institutions and continued to study with notable scholars. He expressed the hope of making the world a better place by advocating for progressive social causes.

As a chaplain at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Rabbi Robinson provided support to people facing terminal illness. He served on medical ethics committees and helped start a hospice program. As a chaplain in the state of California Department of Mental Health, he offered Jewish connection and music at four residential facilities for mental health and developmental disabilities. He translated traditional Hebrew liturgy into accessible English songs and contributed to publications.

After retiring in 1999, Bernie volunteered as a docent at the Immigration Station at Angel Island State Park, was a classroom aide at Laurel Dell Elementary School in San Rafael, and served as a companion at Cedars of Marin, Homeward Bound, and The Street Chaplaincy. He was a member of Congregation Kol Shofar, Congregation Rodef Sholom, and the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center.

Bernie was a lifelong photographer, and his ability to perceive and value people for their inherent humanity marked both his hobby and his career. While working at the development centers, he made photographs for people who had never been given a beautiful portrait of themselves. He developed and printed large format negatives in his home darkroom and was featured in local exhibitions.

Bernie was born in San Francisco, the son of Max F. Robinson (1903-1970) and Ruth B. Robinson, née Greenfield (1906-1999). He was named for his grandfather, Rabbi Betzalel Robinson, and was influenced by his family's involvement in B'nai B'rith and Congregation Beth Sholom. He was an only child in a close family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended San Francisco's Grant School and Lowell High School.

Bernie graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1955 and from Berkeley School of Law in 1958. While working as an attorney, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1961, Bernie met Yetta who became his spouse for more than 63 years, together raising three children, exploring the natural world, and supporting each other through life's challenges. Bernie Robinson was ordained as a rabbi at Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio in 1967 and was certified in clinical pastoral education in 1982.

Rabbi Bernie Robinson's quiet presence enriched the lives of many people. He gave of himself through singing and listening, celebrating, and consoling, teaching and leading, making calls and visits, giving rides and many small gestures, turning his ideals into concrete acts of kindness.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife Yetta Robinson, née Wedgle; three children, Daniel (Rachel Safman), Naomi, and Micah (Valeria Moldavsky); eight grandchildren, Emanuel, Eliane, Eli, Amalia, Yair, Yehoshua, Sasson and Talya; extended family and supportive community.

Memorial donations may be made to any of the organizations above or a charity of your choice.