Rabbi Micah Ellenson Death & Obituary: With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rabbi Micah Ellenson, a cherished member of the Las Vegas Jewish community, who passed away suddenly on February 13, 2025, at the age of 47. Rabbi Ellenson’s death, attributed to heart failure, has left his family, friends, and the entire community in deep sorrow. Yet, the legacy of his service, intellect, and devotion will continue to inspire and guide countless individuals for years to come.
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A Legacy Rooted in Jewish Scholarship and Leadership
Born into a family deeply committed to Jewish scholarship and leadership, Rabbi Ellenson was no stranger to the joys and challenges of Jewish life. The son of Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), and Rabbi Jackie Koch Ellenson, Rabbi Micah was nurtured in an environment of intellectual rigor and spiritual depth. His family’s commitment to the Reform Jewish movement profoundly shaped his path toward the rabbinate.
Rabbi Ellenson’s journey into the rabbinate was marked by his passion for learning and a strong desire to make a difference in the world. He earned his rabbinic ordination from HUC-JIR in 2014, where he gained a reputation for his intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, and personal warmth. His teachers and peers recall him as a vibrant, enthusiastic student who sought deep connections with those around him while constantly challenging himself to grow.
A Rabbi with a Heart for Education
Following his ordination, Rabbi Ellenson served various congregations and institutions, with his most recent position being at the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson School in Las Vegas. He was passionate about Jewish education and was dedicated to making learning accessible, engaging, and transformative. Rabbi Ellenson’s teaching emphasized strengthening Jewish identity, deepening spiritual practice, and inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders.
His influence at the Adelson School was significant, and his legacy in the Jewish community will be remembered by all who worked with him and those he mentored. Rabbi Ellenson’s approach to teaching was rooted in his belief that Jewish education had the power to foster strong connections and build vibrant communities.
A Devoted Family Man
Rabbi Ellenson was also a loving husband to Sara and a proud father to their two daughters, Lily and Rosie. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he often spoke of the balance between his calling as a rabbi and his role as a father and husband. Rabbi Ellenson was dedicated to being a present and loving father, and his family’s loss is immeasurable. His devotion to his children was evident to all, and his legacy as a family man will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him best.
A Mensch of Integrity and Compassion
Rabbi Ellenson’s character was marked by his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others. He was described as a “mensch,” a person of integrity and honor, and was beloved by all who knew him. Whether teaching, leading services, or engaging with friends and colleagues, Rabbi Ellenson was known for his ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level.
His commitment to his Jewish community, both in Las Vegas and beyond, was unparalleled. His colleagues at Hebrew Union College fondly remembered his passion for Torah study, his openness to new ideas, and his natural ability to inspire others. Rabbi Ellenson’s approach to leadership was always rooted in compassion, and his legacy will continue to shape the lives of those he mentored and guided throughout his career.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Though Rabbi Ellenson’s life was tragically cut short, his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched. His passion for Jewish learning, commitment to his family, and devotion to the Jewish community have left an indelible mark that will not soon be forgotten.
A funeral service will be held for Rabbi Ellenson 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 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 celebrate his unwavering dedication to Torah, his love for his family, and his profound impact on the Jewish community. May his memory continue to inspire and guide all those fortunate enough to have known him.
May Rabbi Micah Ellenson’s memory be a blessing.