Rabbi Emeritus

Rabbi Emeritus A. Nathan Abramowitz (pictured with his wife Babs) guided TI for nearly 40 years, from 1960 to 1996, leading the congregation during its formative development and growth as a Conservative synagogue. He is a graduate in economics of Johns Hopkins University and of the Jewish Theological Seminary.  Following ordination, he joined the US Army to serve as a chaplain from 1955-1957. You can hear his reflections on those years here (approx. 15 minutes into the video).

A passionate supporter of Israel, and a liberal thinker, Rabbi Abramowitz provided critical leadership during the turbulent 1960's and 1970's, taking outspoken positions on the civil rights movement and Vietnam war. Notably, he provided rabbinical justification and support for TI’s becoming the first Conservative congregation in the Washington area to extend equality to women in all areas of ritual participation. Like Rabbi Seidel, Rabbi Abramowitz has a lovely singing voice, beginning the 40-year tradition of musical rabbis in a congregation without a cantor.

You can reach Rabbi Abramowitz at 202-882-1605 or info@tifereth-israel.org.