Hamilton Jewish community mourns death of renowned Rabbi Bernard Baskin

A significant figure in the Jewish community in Hamilton has died at the age of 102.

Rabbi Bernard Baskin passed away on Wednesday, nearly two months before his 103rd birthday.

Beginning in 1949, Baskin served as the rabbi of Temple Anshe Sholom in Westdale for 40 years. He remained there from 1989 to 2017 as Rabbi Emeritus.

“Rabbi Baskin leaves a great legacy and example of service above self in our community and beyond,” said Cathi MacDonnell, president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton.

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Baskin graduated from the Department of Judaic Studies at Brooklyn College, before moving to Hamilton in 1949.

MacDonnell said Baskin believed in community life, as he was a part of a number of local groups such as serving the Board of Governors of McMaster University and Hamilton Public Library, Rotary Club of Hamilton and Hamilton United Nations Association, among others.

He received several awards, including the B’nai Brith Humanitarian Award and Hamilton Gallery of Distinction. Baskin was also named Man of the Year by the Jewish community in Hamilton.

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