Our rabbi — Princeton’s first ordained rabbi — died June 25, 2012, of complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Joel had a long career as a rabbi in the Reform Movement. He served congregations on the East Coast, in the South, and in California until retiring in 1995. Joel lived his life with a commitment to learning and social justice. His two major books examined the relationship between Jewish teaching, Kabbalah, and astrology.
Joel was an active member of the Boy Scouts, was a member of the Masons and Rotary, served as a military and Hillel chaplain, and was at one time president of the Long Island (N.Y.) Board of Rabbis.
He grew up in Trenton and graduated from Trenton High School. At Princeton he was a charter member of Hillel, a member of the Whig-Clio senate, and manager of the varsity debate team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As an alumnus he was active in the Schools Committee and Annual Giving.
Joel is survived by Frances, his wife of 61 years; son Louis; daughters Sarah ’78, Deborah, and Rachel; and five grandchildren. Joel described Princeton as the place he “came to from a very restricted upbringing and outlook. Princeton opened the world of the non-Jew to me in a way free of prejudice.”