In 2024, Beth Yeshurun Day School was renamed Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun, a tribute that reflects the remarkable life, leadership, and legacy of Rabbi Jack Segal, a man whose devotion to Jewish education and community connection left an indelible mark on generations.

Scholar, Rabbi, Teacher, Friend

Rabbi Jack Segal was a man of deep intellect and immense heart. He was ordained in 1954 at the Rabbinical Academy Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin, but his academic journey began long before that. A true scholar, Rabbi Segal earned undergraduate degrees in Physics from New York University and Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh — a rare combination that reflected his wide-ranging intellect. He pursued additional graduate studies at Oregon State University, Hebrew Union College, and the University of Houston, underscoring a lifelong love of learning.

Rabbi Segal’s impressive academic accomplishments were matched only by his passion for teaching and his personal investment in every student he encountered. To him, education was more than information — it was about inspiration, connection, and values. He believed that Jewish education should nurture the whole person — mind, heart, and soul.

A Rabbi Who Knew Your Name

During his decades of service to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Rabbi Segal became known for his genuine warmth and approachable nature. Whether it was greeting children in the school hallways, engaging teens in discussion, or writing heartfelt letters to college students away from home, he made every effort to stay connected to the lives of young Jews at every stage.

He didn’t just teach — he mentored, encouraged, and uplifted. Rabbi Segal was the kind of leader who remembered your name, who offered a high-five when you walked past, who made Torah come alive through personal storytelling, and who was just as likely to hand you a fun treat as he was to challenge your thinking with a deep idea. His goal was to be more than a rabbi — he wanted to be a friend and guide, a constant presence in the lives of his community members.

A Rabbi for All Generations

Rabbi Segal led Beth Yeshurun with a unique blend of wisdom and accessibility, building bridges between tradition and modernity. His sermons were thoughtful, often infused with humor, and always grounded in a profound understanding of both Jewish texts and contemporary life. He believed that education didn’t end at Bar or Bat Mitzvah — it was a lifelong journey. He brought that philosophy into every corner of synagogue life, from the pulpit to the school hallways to the college dorm rooms where he kept in touch with former students.

He understood that personal connection was the gateway to Jewish identity, and he took that responsibility seriously. His leadership helped transform Beth Yeshurun into one of the largest Conservative congregations in the country — not just in size, but in spirit, inclusion, and educational impact.

Why We Renamed the School in His Honor

In the 2024–2025 school year, Beth Yeshurun Day School was renamed Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun, endowed by Rhona and Bruce Caress, to honor this exceptional man and his lifelong dedication to Jewish education.

This change is more than symbolic. It is a living tribute — a daily reminder to students, faculty, and families that our school is grounded in the values Rabbi Segal lived by:

• A relentless pursuit of learning

• A deep love for Judaism

• An unwavering belief in the potential of every child

• A leadership style built on kindness, warmth, and integrity

Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun stands as a beacon of those values, shaping a new generation of Jewish learners who are inspired by Rabbi Segal’s example.

His Legacy Lives On

Rabbi Jack Segal’s memory continues to inspire all who walk through the halls of the Academy. His spirit lives in the smile of a teacher greeting a child by name, in the curiosity sparked by a thoughtful question, and in every act of friendship and mentorship that reflects his model.

As we look to the future, we do so with deep gratitude for the past — and for the extraordinary man who helped shape it.

Read more about Rabbi Jack Segal’s legacy and the renaming of our school in the Jewish Herald-Voice:
Legacy lives on: Beth Yeshurun Day School renamed in honor of beloved rabbi