Jewish Leader Jacob Stein Dies at 95

Jacob "Jack" Stein, a founder of Temple Israel of Great Neck and a prominent leader regarding Jewish causes died Dec. 10. He was 95.

A graduate of Columbia University, Stein operated a chain of clothing stores in the northeast and became an early real estate developer in Long Island in the 1950s.

Stein's numerous achievements include time served as president of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism; chairman of the Conference of Major Jewish Organizations; special White House adviser to Pres. Ronald Reagan; a member of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations; and as a delegate to the Human Rights Commission.

Stein played a major role in convincing Pres. Richard Nixon's administration to send immediate military aid to Israel after the country was attacked in 1973, and helped promote improved Jewish-Catholic relations during the papacy of John Paul II, according to The Jewish Week. 

Married for 65 years to his wife Jean, who predeceased him, he is survived by his sister Muriel, his brother Fredrick (Elsa), his sons Richard (Roselle) and Stuart (Pepi) and his daughter Linda (Jack). He is survived by six grandchildren, Beth, Ken, Heather, Marissa, Debbie and Sara and 14-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Dec. 11 at Temple Israel of Great Neck.

The family will be sitting shiva at 15 Winfield Ter. in Great Neck Saturday at 7 p.m., according to Riverside-Nassau North Chapel.