Rabbi Judith Abrams, z"l, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania, attended college at Oberlin University, and obtained rabbinic ordination at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati. She then obtained a PhD in Jewish studies at Baltimore Hebrew University. She was a devoted scholar and teacher, authoring over 20 books and leading the nonprofit effort Maqom, which is dedicated to teaching Talmud to students of all ages and levels. She was a true believer in education, both religious and secular. She is co-editor of Gates of Repentance for Young People (CCAR Press, 2022), the Reform Movement's first youth machzor, and contributed vitally to The Sacred Encounter and The Sacred Calling (CCAR Press, 2014 and 2016, respectively.) Judith loved her family, Judaism, and especially the Talmud Yerushalmi. She was so much more than a brilliant scholar, so much more than an engaging teacher, so much more than a witty intellect, so much more than a passionate Jew, so much more than a loving wife and mother, and so much more than a caring friend. She accomplished what many of us desperately attempt: living by her values, and greeting every moment with intention. Judith died in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at 56 years of age. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Ralph Zabarenko. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Steven Abrams, and by her three beloved children, Michael, Ruth, and Hannah. Deepest condolences are extended to Dr. Abrams and the children, and deepest gratitude to Rabbi Abrams always.
