Gerald Bubis dies at 91; peace activist, Hebrew Union College professor

Gerald Bubis, a longtime professor at Hebrew Union College and the founding director of its school of Jewish communal service, has died at his home in Los Angeles. He was 91.

A prolific author who dispensed his advice – on subjects ranging from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the basics of running a nonprofit – in more than a dozen books, Bubis died Aug. 21, the college and his family announced.

In establishing what then was known as the School of Jewish Communal Service at the college’s Jack H. Skirball Campus, Bubis led the way in establishing and preserving a program for the education of professionals who would then serve “the totality of the Jewish community.”

The school now is known as the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management.

Bubis was a frequent lecturer, advisor, scholar-in-residence and an early-day supporter of Israeli and Palestinian relations and the concept of a two-state solution to the conflict.

Bubis wrote at a furious pace, authoring about 170 academic papers and 14 books, including “Growing Jews – Selected Writings” and the practical guide “The Director Had a Heart Attack and The President Resigned: Board-Staff Relations for the 21st Century.”

Born June 7, 1924, Bubis served in the U.S. Army and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby, their children David and Deena and a sister, Joyce.

steve.marble@latimes.com