UPDATE: Rabbi Philip Matov Posner, a revered community leader and advocate for justice, has passed away at the age of 86. He died peacefully on May 29, 2025, at his home in Jocotepec, Mexico, alongside his wife, Louise Drummond. His legacy will be celebrated during a public memorial on August 3, 2025, at noon, at the El Rio Mobile Home Park Community Room in Santa Cruz.
This gathering promises to honor Rabbi Posner’s remarkable life, featuring a short documentary on his impactful role as a Freedom Rider in the civil rights movement. Attendees can expect a heartfelt atmosphere, complete with bagels and reflections on his decades of service and social justice work.
Rabbi Posner, ordained in 1969, dedicated his life to confronting injustice and practicing compassion. He served his longest tenure at Temple Beth El in Riverside, California, from 1971 to 1988. His courageous participation in the Freedom Riders in 1965 demonstrated his commitment to civil rights; he spent 50 days in jail in Mississippi for his efforts to integrate a train station in the segregated South.
In recent years, Rabbi Posner continued his advocacy for social justice alongside Louise, often participating in protests like the Freedom Sleepers, where they slept outside City Hall with unhoused individuals. His influence extended to leadership roles on boards such as Temple Chadeish Yameinu and the Association of Faith Communities.
Beyond his activism, Rabbi Posner was known for his genuine warmth, often sharing homemade challahs as a symbol of his care for others. He engaged the community not just through his teachings but also through his book, Food for Thought, Character, and Soul: A Conversation with the Rabbi and His Famous Friends, which he personally promoted around town.
The impact of Rabbi Posner’s ethical and compassionate approach is felt deeply amidst today’s increasingly confrontational national dialogue. His example of decency and public conscience will be sorely missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to peoplefirstscc.org, an organization dedicated to supporting housing for those without homes. Rabbi Posner is survived by his wife, Louise; sons Hillel and Micah Posner; daughter-in-law Akiko Minami; and grandchildren Ziven, Adyson, Tamarah, and Emunah Posner Minami.
For more information about Rabbi Posner’s life and legacy, visit rabbiposner.com. The community is invited to join in remembrance and celebration of a life dedicated to justice and compassion.
