Remembering David Bernstein

David Bernstein (1941-2020) passed away from the coronavirus on May 1, 2020.

Lifelong political radical, multi-talented theater worker and calculus teacher, David Bernstein, shaped many lives around the globe. David was a dedicated member of the UMTAD community for a number of years as a grant writer and representative on the University Senate. He even performed in the UMTAD production of The Dybbuk, directed by Stephen Kanee. As an adventurous man who biked, kayaked, fished, did crossword puzzles and math problems, he deeply believed in collectives, both political and artistic. Also a teacher, actor, director, and producer, he founded and built a number of theaters in Michigan, such as the Attic Theater in Detroit and The Performance Network of Ann Arbor. As an early member of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), he was arrested and jailed for participating in the first draft board sit-in in 1965 in protest of the Vietnam War. He continued his activism in support of workers, especially at the University of Minnesota, and for the joy of solidarity with others, most recently as a volunteer with the Long Island City Boathouse.

He loved his wife of 42 years, Paula Rabinowitz, his sons, Jacob and Raphael, his family and friends very much.

Many were touched by David's loving heart and dedicated spirit. Sending love and health to David’s family and all who mourn him.