Rabbi Philip Posner, Advocate for Justice, Passes Away at 86
UPDATE: Rabbi Philip Matov Posner, a revered advocate for justice and community leader, 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. This loss resonates deeply within the communities he served, as his legacy of compassion and activism continues to inspire.
A public memorial will take place on August 3rd, 2025, at noon at the El Rio Mobile Home Park Community Room in Santa Cruz, California. Attendees will view a short documentary highlighting his impactful time as a Freedom Rider, along with personal reflections on his life. Bagels will be served, symbolizing the warmth he always extended to others.
Ordained as a Reform rabbi in 1969, Rabbi Posner dedicated his life to confronting injustice, viewing his role as a platform for social change. He served most prominently at Temple Beth El in Riverside, California, from 1971 to 1988, where he became a trusted figure in the community alongside his late wife, Helene Figoten. Together, they raised two sons, Hillel Posner and Micah Posner, who survive him, along with his daughter-in-law, Akiko Minami, and grandchildren Ziven Posner, Adyson Posner, Tamarah Posner Minami, and Emunah Posner Minami.
Rabbi Posner’s activism was profound. He joined the Freedom Riders in 1965, courageously aiding in the integration of a train station in the segregated South, leading to a 50-day imprisonment in Mississippi. His commitment did not wane; in Santa Cruz, he and his wife participated in the Freedom Sleepers protest, advocating for the rights of the unhoused by sleeping outside City Hall twice a month.
His literary contributions included the book Food for Thought, Character, and Soul: A Conversation with the Rabbi and His Famous Friends, thousands of copies of which he sold while biking around town with his beloved dog. Rabbi Posner’s method of sharing challah was a quiet but impactful way of spreading kindness and community spirit.
As society faces increasing divisiveness, his ethical leadership and commitment to decency will be profoundly missed. His memorial service will also highlight the importance of his work and the values he championed throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to peoplefirstscc.org, supporting housing initiatives for the unhoused. For those wishing to reflect on his legacy, more information can be found at rabbiposner.com.
The community mourns a man whose life was a testament to compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. His example continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of kindness and advocacy in our increasingly challenging world.
