New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy paid respects to Rabbi Moshe Herson, the regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch of New Jersey, who passed away last week at the age of 90. His passing follows that of his wife, Pearl, who passed away last month at 85.
Over six decades of leadership, Rabbi Herson transformed New Jersey’s Jewish landscape and was a pioneering force in establishing Chabad-Lubavitch’s large presence in the Garden State.
As dean of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, Rabbi Herson built what is now one of the Jewish world’s flagship educational institutions, ordaining dozens of rabbis each year while overseeing the growth of more than 70 Chabad centers throughout the state.
A trusted and devoted Shliach of the Rebbe, Rabbi Herson was appointed by the Rebbe to serve on the board of Agudas Chassidei Chabad—the umbrella organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—and played a pivotal role in advancing the Rebbe’s vision of Jewish outreach.
Though he spoke with a distinctive accent that disclosed his Brazilian origins, Rabbi Herson became one of American Judaism’s most effective institution builders in the second half of the 20th century.
He was respected by students and supporters alike, and even in his final years, despite serious health challenges, he continued working until the end.
On Sunday, January 26, Governor Murphy paid a ‘shiva’ visit and met with Rabbi Herson’s sons Rabbi Asher Herson of Rockaway and Rabbi Mendy Herson of Basking Ridge, both in New Jersey.
Governor Murphy also went to the new zal of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, on the campus of the Rabbinical College, and met with students and faculty.
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Thank you to Rabbi Herson, who was willing to work with my father who couldn’t pay in full for Yeshiva. Rabbi Herson allowed me to attend for a fraction of the cost and I ended up being in Morristown from Shiur Aleph through Smicha. I am forever grateful.