Bernard Solomon, the director of the James L. White Jewish Community Center and the United Jewish Council, died of cancer Saturday afternoon at his home. He was 51.
Solomon came to Utah almost 17 years ago as the program director at the Jewish Community Center. While in Utah, Solomon was a member of the Kol Ami Synagogue, as well as the Salt Lake Kiwanis Club, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Interfaith Council of Salt Lake, the National Jewish Welfare Board Associates, the National Association of Social Workers, the Utah Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the United Way of Salt Lake and the Council of Jewish Federations.He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Indiana, his master's degree from Western Kentucky University and a second master's degree in social work from the University of Utah.
Solomon also served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin crises.
"Uncle Bernie was the soul behind the JCC and ran an institution that reached out to young people of all races, religions and creeds," said Frederick L. Wenger, rabbi of the Kol Ami Synagogue. "Uncle Bernie extended scholarships to people of all groups and classes. He was a greatly beloved person in the community."
Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the James L. White Jewish Community Center Endowment Fund are recommended.