It is with profound sadness that we remember the life of Rabbi Micah Ellenson, who passed away suddenly on February 13, 2025, at the age of 47. Rabbi Ellenson, beloved member of the Las Vegas community, a dedicated rabbi, and cherished family member, left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His unexpected death, attributed to heart failure, has left the Jewish community and those who worked with him in grief. However, his memory, and the legacy of service, intellect, and devotion that he cultivated during his life, will continue to inspire and guide countless individuals for years to come.
Born into a family deeply rooted in Jewish scholarship and leadership, Rabbi Micah Ellenson was no stranger to the rigors and joys of Jewish life. He was the son of Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), and Rabbi Jackie Koch Ellenson, both of whom are highly respected figures within the Reform Jewish movement. Raised in such an intellectually stimulating environment, Micah’s passion for learning and deep connection to Jewish tradition were nurtured from a young age.
Rabbi Ellenson’s journey toward the rabbinate was one marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a fervent desire to make a difference in the world. His years at Hebrew Union College, where he earned his rabbinic ordination in 2014, were marked by his intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal warmth. Colleagues who taught him at the HUC-JIR campus in Los Angeles recall his lively spirit, enthusiasm, and an ever-present hunger for intellectual and personal connection. Micah was known for his ability to engage with his teachers and peers alike, always arriving with new ideas, insights, and thoughtful reflections.
As a rabbinical student, Rabbi Ellenson stood out not only for his academic excellence but also for his deep compassion and commitment to the Jewish community. His professors remember him as someone who was not afraid to ask difficult questions, engage with texts deeply, and challenge traditional interpretations—all while maintaining a sense of humility and respect for others. This combination of intellectual rigor and personal warmth set the stage for the rabbinic career that would follow.
Upon receiving his rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Ellenson went on to serve various congregations and institutions. His most recent position was as a rabbi at the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson School in Las Vegas, where he continued his life’s work of serving the Jewish community, educating students, and inspiring his congregation. Rabbi Ellenson’s passion for Jewish education was palpable, and he approached his role with a commitment to making Jewish learning accessible, engaging, and transformative.
At the Adelson School, Micah brought his rich family legacy to bear as he worked with students and their families. His approach to teaching was rooted in the belief that education—especially Jewish education—could foster deep connections and a sense of community. Rabbi Ellenson’s efforts were aimed at strengthening Jewish identity, deepening spiritual practice, and inspiring a new generation of Jewish leaders. His influence on those who worked with him and those who were taught by him will be remembered for years to come.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rabbi Ellenson was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Sara, and their two daughters, Lily and Rosie. In his role as a father, Micah was a loving, present figure who took great pride in his children. His daughter Lily, who was born just before Micah began his studies at HUC, was often seen by his side, a testament to his devotion to his family. The HUC campus in Los Angeles was not only home to his academic and spiritual pursuits but also a place where his children grew up, surrounded by a community of scholars and Jewish leaders.
Rabbi Ellenson often spoke of the balance between family life and his calling as a rabbi, reflecting on how deeply connected he felt to both. In a notable address to the Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis, Micah shared his thoughts on the pressure of living up to the legacy of his accomplished family, humbly stating, “I feel their protective presence.” His words reflected his understanding of his family’s history, but more importantly, they demonstrated the love and support that anchored him throughout his life.
His family’s loss is immeasurable, and they are left with the profound grief of losing a husband, father, and son. Yet, the memory of Rabbi Ellenson as a loving and dedicated family man will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him best.
Those who knew Rabbi Ellenson also recognized his integrity and the depth of his character. Described as a “mensch,” a Yiddish term meaning a person of integrity and honor, Micah was beloved by friends, family, colleagues, and the wider community. His kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others were hallmarks of his life. Whether he was in the classroom, at the pulpit, or with his loved ones, Micah was known for his ability to connect with people on a personal level, making them feel heard, valued, and understood.
Rabbi Ellenson’s colleagues at Hebrew Union College fondly recall his deep love for learning, his openness to new ideas, and his natural ability to inspire others. His passion for Torah study was contagious, and his approach to Jewish leadership was always rooted in compassion and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. As one of his professors at HUC-JIR remarked, Micah was not just a wonderful student, but a truly remarkable rabbi who dedicated his life to serving the Jewish community with heart and soul.
Although Rabbi Micah Ellenson’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will continue to impact the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will be a blessing, not only for his family but for all those whose lives he touched during his time in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and beyond.
The funeral service for Rabbi Ellenson will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Sinai Temple Simi Valley, where family, friends, and the community will gather to honor and remember his life. In the wake of his passing, the Jewish community—both locally and nationally—has expressed its deep sorrow at the loss of a beloved rabbi, teacher, and friend.
As we reflect on the life of Rabbi Micah Ellenson, we are reminded of the enduring impact of his work, his teachings, and the love he shared with all those around him. His passion for Torah, commitment to his family, and dedication to the Jewish community have left an indelible mark that will not soon be forgotten. May his memory continue to inspire and guide all who were fortunate enough to know him.
May Rabbi Micah Ellenson’s memory be a blessing.
