William David Rudolph

Bill grew up in Philadelphia – a proud graduate of Central HS and Temple University. After graduation, he pursued his dream of joining the rabbinate and was ordained at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. Bill began graduate studies in Bible at the University of Michigan. He then served as Hillel Director at Michigan State and the University of Michigan, before joining the Hillel national headquarters in Washington, DC. Bill served as a pulpit rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, MD for 32 years. He would describe both of these careers as his best one. He also took great pleasure being the rabbi of the Fauquier Jewish Congregation, following his retirement from Beth El. He was creative and caring and had a sharp sense of humor, and the only thing greater than his accomplishments was his humility. He loved what he did and wondered why he even got paid.

Bill got immense pleasure from his children and grandchildren and from his multiple hobbies, including bike riding, home projects, watching his beloved UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, reading detective mysteries and listening to Jewish music. He was the definition of a mensch.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda. Arrangements entrusted to Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home.