Dr. Rafael Alexander Lewy

Rafael A. Lewy is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Ruth Lewy, his two children, Dr. Vered Lewy Weiss (James) and Joseph Lewy (Lori), and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Daphna Lewy, and grandson, Benjamin Weiss.

Rafael was born in the city of Danzig, now known as Gdansk, into a very prominent family. His father was a judge in Berlin and head of the largest Jewish community. At the beginning of WWII, his mother took him and his sister on a commercial ship to England, where he was adopted by strangers for a year. After a year, the family was reunited in England, and six months later, they immigrated to Israel (then Palestine). At the age of 15, he was already fighting with the youth brigade, where he quickly became the head of his unit. At 17, that unit became part of the formation of the Israeli army, and he fought to establish the state of Israel.

After serving in the army, Rafael was accepted into the Hebrew University in Jerusalem on a scholarship, where he completed both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Through a national competition, he won three scholarships to study in England and the United States, where he completed a second Master's degree. He secured a working scholarship at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Doctorate with honors, completing both his second Master's degree and Doctorate in just 2.5 years.

Upon graduation, Rafael had to return to Israel due to an expiring student visa. In Israel, he served as a senior researcher at the Institute for the Minister of Education while also being a professor and founding the Department of Education at the University of Haifa. He was later invited back to the United States to conduct research and lecture, bringing his wife and child with him. After working in the U.S., he obtained citizenship, and they made Utah their home for the past 46 years (Utah reminded them of Jerusalem). He continued his research for the Salt Lake City Board of Education and lecturing at the University of Utah, as well as traveling for consultations in the field of education. His achievements are too numerous to list.

Rafael finally retired at the age of 77, spending his time enjoying his love of reading and volunteering to help students struggling to obtain their Master’s degrees. He was passionate about politics, history, and engaging in heated debates on those subjects.

The funeral will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Shaare Tzedek Cemetery. Rabbi Zippel will conduct a short graveside service, and Rafael's son, Joseph L.S. Lewy, will recite the Mourner's Prayer. Visitation is welcome after 4:00pm.