David L. Lieber
David L. Lieber was a prominent figure in the Conservative Jewish community and an influential scholar. He served as the president of the University of Judaism, now known as American Jewish University, in Los Angeles from 1963 to 1992. Under his leadership, the university expanded significantly, both in terms of its physical campus and its academic offerings, becoming a vital center for Jewish learning and culture.
Lieber's scholarly work focused primarily on Jewish theology and biblical interpretation. He was deeply committed to the idea of making Jewish texts and traditions accessible and relevant to contemporary Jews. His approach to Jewish education was marked by a blend of traditional scholarship and modern critical methods, aiming to engage students in active and meaningful learning.
One of his major contributions to Jewish literature is his role as the senior editor of 'Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary'. This work is a cornerstone of Torah study in many Conservative synagogues across North America. It integrates classical and modern commentaries, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding Torah in the modern world.