Bernard M. Baruch, Jewish financier, philanthropist and adviser to Presidents of the United States, whose funeral will take place here, had been a member of a New York synagogue since childhood, it was revealed here today by Dr. Bernard J. Bamberger, rabbi of the Reform congregation Shaaray Tefila where the funeral services will be held.
The rabbi said that Mr. Baruch was a member of his congregation when it was known as the West End Synagogue prior to changing its name to Shaaray Tefila. He said the service tomorrow will be as simple and as private as possible, at Mr. Baruch’s own wish. The burial will be in a family plot in Flushing Cemetery in Queens, and will be strictly private. All city institutions have been ordered by Mayor Wagner to lower their flags to half-staff until after the service.
The children of Mr. Baruch today issued a statement declaring: “It was our father’s express desire that his funeral be as simple and private as possible, and in accordance with his wish there will be no visitation.” Rabbi Bamburger said that during tomorrow’s service he would speak briefly about the impact of the financier’s life on the country and world, and on the significance of his name. “Baruch in Hebrew means blessed,” he said.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.