Rabbi Bernard A. Mussman, devoted and beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Jan. 17, 2007. Born in Chicago, IL April 15, 1926, he received his bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, master’s degree from Northwestern University and master’s degree, rabbinical ordination and doctorate of divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Upon becoming a rabbi, he proudly served as a U.S. Army Chaplain in Ft. Benning, GA. His journey as an outstanding rabbi and educator then took him, his wife and children to synagogues and religious schools in Chicago, Wash. D.C. (where he was the first Jewish Chaplain of the American Legion Chapter and was founder of the Educators’ Assembly), Miami Beach, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Skokie, IL where he served as spiritual leader of Cong. Kol Emeth for over 17 years and was President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis. Retiring to Tucson, AZ in 1998 to be near his children and grandchildren, he continued to inspire and motivate his students in classes at Cong. Anshei Israel and the Tucson High School for Jewish Studies. Among his many honors was his receipt of the Rabbi Max Arzt Distinguished Rabbinic Service Award by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. A huge void is felt by countless people whose lives he touched with his tremendous warmth, sincere love and genuine kindness. He embodied the true essence of a mensch. Preceded in death by his parents Rose and Maurice Mussman, brother Rabbi Norman Mussman, brother-in-law Bernard Berk and daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Mussman, all of blessed memory, he is survived by his devoted and loving wife Judith Yampol Mussman, with whom he shared over 58 beautiful years of marriage; daughter Elysa Ginsburg, sons Michael (Sara) Mussman and Jeremy Mussman; son-in-law Michael Ginsburg, daughter-in-law Suzanne Kaiser; grandchildren Aric, Joshua, Amy, Lori, Logan, Erin, Guy and Ilanit; brother Rabbi Sander (Isabel) Mussman; sisters-in-law Miriam (Aaron) Shadur, Naomi Berk and Celia Mussman; brother-in-law Rabbi Hillel (Carol) Yampol and numerous nieces, nephews and other dear relatives and friends. Services were held Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007 at Cong. Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th St. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cong. Anshei Israel or the Jewish Theological Seminary. Arrangements by Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, Tucson, AZ.
