Remembering Philip E. Miller, Ph.D., A Guiding Light, Scholar, and Lifelong Mentor

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion mourns the passing of Philip E. Miller, Ph.D., who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12. During a distinguished 40-year career at the college-institute until his retirement in 2014, Dr. Miller served as Director of the Klau Library at the New York campus, guiding generations of students as they conducted research and wrote their theses in the days before Google. An exemplary scholar with an encyclopedic knowledge of the library, it was Dr. Miller's warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others that truly set him apart. Alumni remember him as a reassuring presence during their Hebrew proficiency tests, a source of laughter and wisdom, and a lifelong mentor even after they graduated.

Rabbi Shirley Idelson, Ph.D., '91, Director of the Zelikow School and former Dean of the New York Campus, shared this warm memory of Dr. Miller: "When I was writing the book on the Jewish Institute of Religion, Phil graciously hosted me in New Jersey and sat for a fascinating interview that lasted hours. Though he didn't know Stephen S. Wise, he knew many of the JIR people who were in Wise's circle, about whom he had endless stories, some funny, many poignant. He was deeply knowledgeable and a mensch."

Rabbi Scott Weiner, '04, offered this fond recollection: "[Dr. Miller] was not only a friendly face for four years, but an endless source of humor, wisdom, guidance, and help academically. Perhaps a fond, but now triple-sad memory, came when I was writing my thesis. I kept searching and searching in the rare book area for some obscure German siddurim that Aaron Panken, z"l, was adamant I needed for my research (I was less sure). After chasing my tail for some time, I asked Phil for help locating the books. He let out one of his renowned booming laughs and clapped his hands together in glee. Clearly, he was about to share something. Apparently, he needed a partner in crime. 'Those books,' he said, 'have been in David Ellenson's, z"l, office for years! He keeps saying he is going to write a book about them, but he never has (and I don't think he did). Every time I ask for them back, I get the same song and dance. But he would never refuse a student who needs them!' And so, up I went to David's office to sheepishly ask for the books. 'Did Phil send you up here?' was the response. But, when I explained that Aaron had thought I should use them for my thesis, he pointed to where they were on his shelves, and off I went. On my way out the door, David said with his typical screechy laugh, 'Make sure you get them back to the library, or Phil will never leave you alone!'"

These anecdotes, shared with both laughter and sadness, capture the essence of Dr. Miller's spirit: his playful wit, his dedication to students, and his unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing Jewish knowledge. He will be deeply missed. We offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Miller's family: his wife, Zenia; his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Amy; and his grandsons, Andrew and Ben.

Zichrono livracha - May Dr. Miller's memory ever be for a blessing.