JRB Board and Staff Sadly Mourn the Passing of Rabbi Matthew H. Simon z''l

Former Board Chair Served Faithfully for 45 Years

Rabbi Matthew H. Simon, Rabbi Emeritus at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, MD and member of the JRB Board of Trustees since 1978, passed away on September 10, 2023 (20 Elul 5783). Rabbi Simon represented the Rabbinical Assembly on the JRB Board. He served several terms as Board Chair and member of the Executive Committee as well as chairing multiple Board Committees during his 45-year tenure.

JRB Board Chair Rabbi Felipe Goodman reflected: “When I joined the Board, Rabbi Simon welcomed me with open arms and friendship. He generously shared his knowledge of the JRB’s tradition of building financial security for those working in the Conservative Movement. He also encouraged me to champion the new ideas needed to position the JRB for success in the future. Barukh Dayan Ha-emet.”

As well as his long tenure on the JRB Board, Rabbi Simon served as spiritual leader at B’nai Israel Congregation beginning in 1973. Among his many other leadership roles in the Jewish community, he was a past President, Campaign Chair and Treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the founding Chair of Jewish Vocational Services, a past President of the Hillel of Greater Washington, a past Vice President of Capital Camps and a life member of the Board of the Jewish Social Service Agency.

Rabbi Simon served 28 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, retiring as a Captain; he was buried with full military honors.

“It’s hard to imagine the JRB today without the wisdom, energy and leadership of Rabbi Simon,” JRB CEO Mitchell J. Smilowitz stated. “His fingerprints are everywhere. He worked to recruit new participants, maintain the highest investment standards and expand the complimentary benefits JRB participants receive. May his memory be for a blessing.”

October 2023