LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Rabbi Ronald Greenwald,
distinguished citizen, religious leader and devoted community advocate

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recogni-
tion and just tribute to those men and women of religious commitment who
accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of
human understanding; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Ronald "Ronnie" Greenwald died on Wednesday, January
20, 2016, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 8, 1934, in New York City, Rabbi Ronald
Greenwald was a man who had a tremendous impact on all who knew him; he
studied in the Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually settled
in New York after marrying his beloved Miriam; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, During his early years, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald worked as a
teacher of Judaic and secular studies in multiple Brooklyn yeshivas; by
the age of 28, he began to lobby the federal government on behalf of
Torah Umesorah to promote Jewish schools; and
WHEREAS, By the 1970s, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald became so well-known he
was tasked by a United States Representative to help secure the release
of a Soviet dissident from prison; in addition, he made more than 25
trips across the "Iron Curtain", and helped negotiate the release of an
Israeli citizen who was being held captive in Zimbabwe on espionage
charges, as well as the release of a political activist who was impri-
soned in Peru; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unremitting commitment to Rockland Coun-
ty, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald founded the Monsey Academy for Girls, and
served as chairman of the board of the Women's League; he also served on
the Board of Governors of the Orthodox Union; and
WHEREAS, Tirelessly dedicated to Rockland County, the United States
and Israel, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald was a mentor, diplomat, counselor,
and teacher for all who knew him; his memory will remain in the hearts
and minds of all those with whom he came in contact; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Rabbi Ronald Greenwald, distinguished citizen, reli-
gious leader and devoted community advocate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Rabbi Ronald Greenwald.