Rabbi Meir Fulda, who passed away on July 28, 2018, had a long relationship with Yeshiva University (YU) spanning seven decades. He attended the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys, Yeshiva College for his undergraduate studies, received semicha at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), served as principal at the Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) for two years, and taught for six decades at both the Wilf and Beren campuses to both men and women. A memorial service was held in his honor on Nov. 4 at YU’s Wilf Campus.
At the memorial service, attendees shared stories and watched a touching video tribute to Rabbi Fulda. Remarks were given by various individuals including Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, who described Rabbi Fulda as a “sophisticated thinker” dedicated to transmitting teachings to future generations. Mrs. Rookie Billet, principal of the Shulamith School for Girls Middle Division, spoke about Rabbi Fulda’s impact on her life and education, emphasizing the importance of continuing Jewish studies beyond high school.
A second memorial service took place on Nov. 12 at the Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study. Rabbi Yosef Kalinksy and Rabbi Hershel Reichman, both from RIETS, spoke about Rabbi Fulda’s legacy of love for his students and his commitment to living a life of kiddush hashem (sanctifying the name of God). Harvey Sober, assistant professor of Jewish history, shared his fond memories of Rabbi Fulda, highlighting the powerful impact he had on his students and colleagues.
Those who were inspired by Rabbi Fulda’s teachings and guidance are invited to join the Rabbi Fulda zt”l Legacy Committee or to share photos, stories, and memories by contacting Rabbi David Eckstein. Rabbi Fulda’s legacy continues to touch the lives of many, and his influence will be remembered and cherished by future generations.
