In memory of Rabbi David Zeller
Alumni from the early years of ITP were sad to learn last spring of ITP pioneer Rabbi David Zeller's passing. He died of a rare blood disease on May 25, 2007, in Israel. Rabbi Zeller was an associate director and professor at ITP from 1975 to the early 1980s.
Bob Frager reminisces: "David was a great gift to ITP. He was there from the beginning, working as full time associate director in 1975. He took no salary that first year, because there was virtually no money beyond expenses and instructors' salaries. David agreed to work full time for nothing the first year in expectation that our enrollment would double and we could pay him a regular salary the second year, which we did. David supported himself by giving talks and workshops and making available his first music tape, all by donation.
David had a beautiful, clear, pure voice. He had a wonderful repertoire of spiritual songs from around the world, and he was never without his guitar. I particularly remember his leading us in "Tis a Gift to be Simple," an old Shaker hymn. We began all our community meetings and events with David leading us in song. He was invaluable in helping to keep spirit alive at ITP in our early years. All of us who had the privilege of being with him during this time remember him with great fondness and mourn his passing."
An internationally known singer, teacher, and counselor, David was a pioneer in modern Jewish spirituality, meditation, and transpersonal psychology. He founded the Network of Conscious Judaism for the purpose of integrating and disseminating Jewish teachings and practices in psychology, mysticism, and meditation, and he led weekend retreats in Jewish meditation. In Jerusalem, he directed the Shevet: Center for Jewish Spirituality and Meditation. He taught in religious and alternative health programs and conferences around the world and also maintained a private counseling and consulting practice. Having produced several teaching tapes on Jewish mysticism and meditation, he was working on a book of his stories and teachings before his death. As a resident of Israel, "heart-space" between East and West, David wove together the heart and mind, inner and outer, the spiritual and material, the theoretical and experiential, and the orthodox and pluralistic into a colorful and creative fabric.
A scholarship fund has been established in memory of David Zeller. A gift to ITP for the Zeller Memorial Scholarship Fund will honor his memory while supporting PhD students at the dissertation stage whose work is related to transpersonal perspectives on peace and conflict issues. Checks may be sent payable to ITP at 1069 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303. Please indicate on the check, or in an accompanying note, that your gift is in memory of Rabbi David Zeller.
