The article details the life and death of Edward I. Koch, focusing on his complex relationship with his Jewish identity. While fiercely proud of his heritage and a defender of Israel, Koch did not adhere to traditional Orthodox practices.
Koch's burial in Trinity Church Cemetery, a non-Jewish cemetery, reflects his independent nature. He chose this location despite suggestions from his rabbi to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, preferring a more bustling environment. His funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El, a Reform congregation, due to the limitations of Orthodox rabbis officiating at non-Jewish burials and Emanu-El's larger capacity.
The funeral included flags representing the United States, New York City, and Israel, with notable speakers such as Bill Clinton and Ido Aharoni. A shiva was held at Gracie Mansion, reflecting Koch's unique blend of tradition and personal choices.
Rabbi David M. Posner described Koch as the "quintessential New York Jew," highlighting his strong and passionate personality that was reflected in his approach to both his political career and his Jewish identity.
The final resting place of Edward I. Koch, the former New York City mayor, is, in many ways, very Jewish. A Jewish star tops his monument’s headstone. Its inscription, which he wrote, includes an epitaph proclaiming he was “fiercely proud of his Jewish faith.”
But the burial site is also classic Koch, contradictory and iconoclastic. Though his longtime Orthodox rabbi, Arthur Schneier, had taken him to see “a beautiful plot” at a Jewish cemetery in Queens, it would not do: he wanted to be buried in his beloved home borough, Manhattan. When the rabbi suggested that perhaps room could be found for him at an old Jewish cemetery downtown, Mr. Koch rejected that suggestion, saying he wanted to be buried in a “bustling cemetery.” So he selected Trinity Church Cemetery, an Episcopal burial ground open to all in Washington Heights.
As with everything else in his life, Mr. Koch did being Jewish on his own terms. He was a fierce defender of Israel and extremely proud of his Jewish heritage, often speaking about the many Nobel Prizes and other accolades fellow Jews had earned. He felt strongly that he had a Jewish soul. But he did not keep kosher, and was not traditionally religious.
His funeral, at 11 a.m. Monday, will be at Temple Emanu-El, At 1 East 65th Street on the Upper East Side. Mr. Koch chose the Reform congregation for his funeral in part because an Orthodox rabbi would not officiate at the ensuing burial in a non-Jewish cemetery, and in part because of Emanu-El’s large capacity — it holds 2,500 people, and Mr. Koch wanted a full house. The funeral will feature three flags, for the United States, New York City and Israel. Ido Aharoni, Israel’s consul general in New York, will be among the speakers. So will Bill Clinton.
On Tuesday, mourners, led by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, will sit shiva for Mr. Koch at Gracie Mansion. Mr. Koch sat shiva there for his own father while he was mayor, Rabbi Schneier said.
“He is the quintessential New York Jew,” said Rabbi David M. Posner, Temple Emanu-El’s senior rabbi, who will preside at the funeral. “Strong and passionate, just like everything else about him. He’s not necessarily Orthodox, but he certainly is observant in his own way.”
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