The founder of Touro College, Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander, passed away at his home on Monday, February 8.
He was 94.
Mourners spilled onto the street at a funeral service held at Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim in Kew Gardens on Tuesday as the Rabbi’s son, Rav Daniel Lander Shlita, wretched the hearts of all in attendance as he addressed his father directly.
“Anything that any of us accomplished was because of your compassion and love,” said his son. “Father, you were a giant of historic proportions, a clairvoyant creative genius. I try very hard to emulate you, but your shoes were simply too big to fill.”
Jerome D’Imperio, vice president of operations for Touro College, said that helping to bring Lander’s vision to fruition was an honor to anyone who worked for the man.
“He empowered me and gave me my own vision of where I should be going and the direction my life should be taking,” said D’Imperio. “I know that he’s going to be watching us from above, guiding us and taking care of us and making sure we stay on his path.”
D’Imperio also spoke about the legacy that Lander leaves behind, not only at Touro, but also in the community in which he was held in high regard.
“His legacy is unequaled by any other man I have ever met,” he said. “He will be missed, but there is a sense of happiness here because of what he has given us.”
Mourners came from everywhere, and from all occupations; some were students, some former colleagues, all impressed by Lander’s life work.
“Coming here is a means of respecting the man,” said Shlomo Morgulis, who traveled from Rockland County for the service. “This turnout speaks to the respect that all of these people have for him.”
Jack Abramowitz, the director of undergraduate admissions at Touro from 1987-1997, said that he sees a lot of the characteristics of the Rabbi in his son.
“His son is following his father’s example of respect,” said Abramowitz. “Rabbi Lander knew that you cannot demand respect, respect comes to you.”
