Franklin D. Murphy
* I speak not only for myself but for our Hebrew Union College community in expressing bereavement at the death of a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Franklin D. Murphy (June 17). He was an inspiration to the college, his honorary alma mater, and offered invaluable help and guidance in our efforts for the Skirball Cultural Center under construction in Sepulveda Pass.
Dr. Murphy devoted himself with astonishing and bracing distinction to the task of elevating the cultural, aesthetic and moral as well as physical level of his fellow human beings. I personally had abundant reason to love and admire him for the way he broadened my own perspective and for the serious discussions we had about Jewish fate and the goals of the Skirball Cultural Center. Dr. Murphy revealed a great affection and respect for the Jewish people and their contribution to our common civilization.
He will be sorely missed. His like will not be seen again, but his spirit--his wonderfully civilizing spirit--will live on in our memory as a blessing.
RABBI URI D. HERSCHER
Executive Vice President, HUC-JIR
Los Angeles
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