05/21/2026
As we head into Shavuot we are still absorbing the impactful and heartfelt teachings of Dr. Joseph Reimer, on being presented with Hornstein's 2026 Reisman Award. What an inspiring address for our graduates, alumni, faculty and community.
We are sharing the opening here with you all!
"Since learning that I would be receiving the Bernard Reisman award, my mind has been flashing back to the years that I worked closely with Bernie Reisman, the founding director of the Hornstein Program. Bernie was simply unforgettable, one of the few people I knew who was a visionary, a truly competent manager and a total mensch. When I came to Brandeis, I had already taught at Harvard and Boston University; but it was only at Hornstein that I found in Bernie a mentor who could help me to develop into the teacher, researcher and institute director that I was to become. Without Bernie’s mentoring, I would not have achieved the professional excellence that this award recognizes and celebrates.
Bernie taught me three cardinal virtues of Jewish professional life that I would like to share with you today. The three virtues are: (1) conscious use of self, (2) structuring the environment and (3)establishing a balance between supporting Israel and appreciating the vitality of Jewish diasporic life....."
Mazal Tov to Professor Reimer- it was an honor for all of us to learn from you!
Chag Sameach!
