Progressive Rabbi Sol T. Greenberg, known for his welcoming approach to Jewish practice, passed away on April 28. He was 87 years old.
Greenberg served as the longtime senior rabbi of Valley Temple in Wyoming from 1968 to 2000, and continued as Rabbi Emeritus until his death. A pioneer in his field, he was among the first rabbis in the United States to officiate interfaith weddings, and the first to do so in Cincinnati.
“He figured out how to say ‘yes’ to a family wanting Judaism in their lives when everyone else was saying no,” said Rabbi Austin Zoot. “There are generations of Jews who are living vibrant, joyfully Jewish lives because of him.”
Valley Temple was founded in 1952 by a small group of families in Wyoming, a northern suburb of Cincinnati.
Sol Greenberg was a graduate of Hebrew Union College and spent 4 years working as an assistant Rabbi at Issac M. Wise Temple before taking on the leadership of Valley Temple.
Over a 32-year tenure, he guided Valley Temple through significant growth, from securing its first dedicated building to overseeing multiple expansions and the construction of a permanent home. He also played a key role in establishing the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School in 1982.
Valley Temple’s main synagogue is named after Rabbi Greenberg. He is survived by his wife, Sue Greenberg, his children, Judge Brad (Pam) Greenberg, Jeff (Kim) Greenberg, Debbie (Rabbi Michael) Joseph, Julie Frieder (Charlie Stanzione), Margot (Howard) Fishman, and Andrea Frieder (Blake Maislin).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Valley Temple would be appreciated.