Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Rabbi Alter Abelson, Scholar and Poet, Dies in New York; Was 88

December 23, 1964
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Funeral services were held here today for Rabbi Alter Abelson, Hebrew scholar, poet and translator who died Sunday at the age of 88. He had served in many synagogues in this section of the country and as a chaplain for the New York Board for Rabbis.

Born in Lithuania, he was raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and ordained as a Conservative rabbi. His first pulpit was at Temple Beth-El in Jersey City and he served also in Newport, R.I., Lynbrook, L.L., and Newburgh, N.Y. He had translated the works of Judah Halevi and Chaim Nachman Bialik into English for publication. He was the author of four books of poetry.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement