Archives West Finding Aid

Rabbi Will Berkovitz was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. The interview relates his remarkable path from low academic expectations and religious indifference, to rabbinic studies and a deep commitment to Judaism and Tikkum Olam, bettering the world. Initially intending to study advertising, enrollment at the University of Thomas, a Catholic institution, that included a year abroad, was an eye opener that changed his directions, world view, and motivated him, and caused him to promote others, to help the under-served. He graduated in 1992 with degrees in philosophy and literary journalism.

A road trip west brought him to Seattle, where he started working as a journalist and met Rabbi Dan Bridge, who profoundly influenced his future. His successful career in Jewish non-profits started at Hillel, University of Oregon, where an extraordinary experience led him to studies at Pardes, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Los Angeles. He subsequently served as Hillel Director at the University of Washington, worked for a national start-up, Repair the World and briefly at Hillel, Washington University, St Louis, KS. Since 2013 he serves as CEO of the Jewish Family Service, Seattle. Berkovitz commented on his major goals, achievements and challenges in each position, and his overall guiding motives. He acknowledged the support of the Seattle Jewish Community.