Rabbi Ronald Millstein

Rabbi Ronald Millstein, who enjoyed a wonderful, successful career serving two

Reform congregations in Queens, NY and then a long, relaxing retirement with his wife, Joyce of 68 years, passed away on Thursday, December 18 at the age of 94. Rabbi Millstein died peacefully at the Jewish Home Assisted Living – Kaplen Senior Residence in River Vale, NJ, after a short illness.

Rabbi Millstein grew up in the Bronx with his parents, Ida and Nathan Millstein, and his older brother, Ben, with whom he remained close throughout his life. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and Cornell University, where he was an active member of the AEPi fraternity. He then served as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force, finishing his service as a First Lieutenant. Rabbi Millstein then went to Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City where he received his rabbinic ordination in 1962.

In addition to a student pulpit in Brewster, NY, Rabbi Millstein served two congregations during his career: Temple Beth El of Laurelton, New York and Temple Israel of Jamaica in Holliswood, New York. He served the latter for 25 years until his retirement in 1996. An ardent Zionist, Rabbi Millstein travelled to Israel numerous times, living and studying in Jerusalem for a year when he was first married. As a rabbi he was a master at officiating at personal, meaningful lifecycle events. He taught his congregants the value of family, to view the Jewish People as a family and to work for Jewish continuity.

For 31 years Rabbi Millstein was a resident of Great Neck, NY before moving to Fort Lee, NJ to be near his children and grandchildren. In 2014 he moved to the Jewish Home Assisted Living - Kaplen Senior Residence in River Vale, NJ.

Rabbi Millstein was predeceased by his beloved wife and partner of 68 years, Joyce Millstein. He is survived by three children: Pamela Auerbach, Rabbi Jordan Millstein and Dr. Beth Wish; their spouses: Dave Auerbach, Rabbi Paula Feldstein and Dr. Ron Wish; six grandchildren: Natanya Auerbach, Ariana Auerbach, Eve Millstein, Sarah Millstein, Moriya Wish and Auriel Wish; his niece, Janet Millstein and her husband, Dao Chung and nephew, Jeffrey Millstein and his wife, Kathy Millstein, and their children.

The funeral for Rabbi Millstein will take place on Sunday, December 21 at 12:30 pm at Temple Sinai of Bergen County, One Engle Street, Tenafly, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY.