Eugene Borowitz

Eugene B. Borowitz (February 20, 1924 – January 22, 2016) was a prominent American leader and philosopher within Reform Judaism, widely recognized for his significant contributions to Jewish theology and Jewish ethics. He also held a key role as the editor of the Jewish journal *Sh'ma* and was a faculty member at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Borowitz received several accolades, including the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award (2005), recognition as a Scholar of Distinction by the Jewish Publication Society (2002), and the Jewish Cultural Achievement medal for scholarship. He was also awarded the National Jewish Book Award in 1974 for his book *The Mask Jews Wear*. In honor of his work, *Jewish Spiritual Journeys: Essays in Honor of Eugene B. Borowitz on his 70th Birthday* was published in 1997. Borowitz was a prolific writer throughout his career. During the Korean War, he served as a chaplain for the U.S. Navy. He held degrees from Ohio State University, Columbia University, and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Borowitz grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and pursued his rabbinical studies at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, where he was ordained in 1948 and earned his D.H.L. in 1950. His career included founding the Community Synagogue in Port Washington, New York, and later becoming a distinguished professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He was also the first Jewish president of the American Theological Society. Borowitz is particularly known for developing "covenant theology," which addressed the challenges faced by postmodern Jews navigating individual autonomy while remaining connected to Jewish tradition. His work extended into normative ethics and the redefinition of covenant, culminating in influential books like *Renewing the Covenant*. His establishment of *Sh'ma* provided a crucial platform for diverse Jewish voices. Personally, Borowitz was a dedicated civil rights activist and was married to Estelle Covel Borowitz, with whom he had five children. He passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 91.