Samuel Greengus

Professor Samuel Greengus passed away peacefully at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, teaching, curiosity, kindness, and devotion to family. Born on March 11, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Sam developed a lifelong love of learning at an early age. He attended Hebrew Theological College before earning his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. In 1963, he joined the faculty of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, beginning a distinguished academic career that would span more than six decades. An internationally recognized scholar of the Hebrew Bible, ancient Near Eastern history, and Akkadian language and literature, Sam was appointed the Julian Morgenstern Professor of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Literature. His research, publications, and teaching shaped generations of rabbis, scholars, and students around the world. In addition to his scholarship, he served Hebrew Union College in numerous leadership roles, including Dean of the Rabbinical School, Dean of the Cincinnati campus, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dean of Faculty, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. His colleagues later honored him with a Festschrift celebrating his extraordinary scholarly contributions. Beyond his professional accomplishments, those who knew Sam best will remember him just as much for his insatiable curiosity and generous spirit. He seemed to know something about almost everything, delighted in learning something new every day, and loved thoughtful conversation on subjects ranging from biblical texts to history, science, language, and current events. Family members quickly learned that challenging him to a game of Trivial Pursuit was usually a losing proposition. For nearly seventy years, Sam shared a loving and enduring marriage with his beloved wife, Lesha. Though their personalities were famously different in many ways, together they built a partnership defined by mutual respect, affection, humor, and unwavering devotion. Their marriage was an example of how two very different people can complement one another perfectly. Sam also delighted in the simple pleasures of family life. He was known for his legendary homemade salad dressing, a recipe treasured by family members who insisted it surpassed any bottled version. He cherished holidays, family gatherings, spirited discussions around the dinner table, and opportunities to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Lesha Bellows Greengus; his daughters, Deana Binstock and her husband, Manny Binstock; Rachel Schultz and her husband, Bill Schultz; and Judith Perlstein and her husband, David Perlstein. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Joshua Schultz and his wife, Anna; Rebecca Schwenk and her husband, Max; Daniel Schultz and his wife, Macklin Levine; Gabrielle Zisblatt and her husband, Yitzhak; Rachel Binstock; David Binstock; Jacob Perlstein; and Lilly Perlstein. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow, and he was especially delighted to become great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him enormous pride and happiness. His love of family was as defining as his love of scholarship. Whether around the holiday table, sharing stories, engaging in lively conversation, or simply spending time together, Sam treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by the generations that followed him. Sam’s legacy lives on not only in the books he wrote, the students he taught, and the institution he helped shape, but also in the countless lives enriched by his wisdom, kindness, humility, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory forever be for a blessing. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 7 at 12PM at Hebrew Union College (3101 Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, OH. 45220) where guests will be received from 11AM until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately at United Jewish Cemetery Clifton (730 Ludlow Ave. Cincinnati, OH. 45220). Shiva will be observed Tuesday only from 4:30-7PM, with minyan at 5:30PM in the Hermitage Room at The Regency (2444 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH. 45208).

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Samuel Greengus

March 11, 1936 - July 4, 2026