U.S. Reps. Howard Berman and Henry Waxman (both D-Calif) have paid tribute in the Congressional Record to Rabbi Dr. David Lieber, former president of the University of Judaism, in anticipation of Lieber's 80th birthday celebration Feb. 10.

In remarks placed in the Feb. 1 edition of Congress' permanent record, they described Lieber as "intellectually and spiritually inspirational to the Jewish community" and said they personally "have known him for many years and have great respect for his wisdom and guidance."

The two congressmen provided this sketch of Lieber's accomplishments:

"Since 1956 when Dr. Lieber was appointed Dean of Students of the nine-year-old University of Judaism (UJ), he has been a driving force for improvement and expression. He helped transform the University from a Hebrew Teachers Institute that offered adult classes in what is now known as Korea Town into a nationally recognized educational institute complete with an undergraduate college, graduate programs in education, business administration, Jewish studies and rabbinic studies, a large library and two think tanks. He served as University President for an impressive twenty nine years until he retired in 1993... 

"Since his retirement as University President, he dedicated himself to assembling a superb team of scholars and produced Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, a work that makes it possible for millions to benefit from his knowledge and dedication.... 

"Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Lieber has worked on behalf of many issues of importance to the Jewish people. He is past president of the Rabbinical Assembly and served on the Assembly's Executive Committee. He chaired its Strategic Planning Committee which evaluated needs of the religious body into the year 2000. He is an ordained Rabbi and former spiritual leader of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles 1950-1954. He served as Chaplain for B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation at both the University of Washington and Harvard University. In recognition of his work, he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa by Hebrew Union College in 1982 and the Torch of Learning Award by Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1984. 

"Dr. David Lieber received a BA, magna cum laude, in 1944 from College of the City of New York and a Bachelor of Hebrew Letters from Jewish Technological Seminary of America. In 1947 he was awarded a Master's degree from Columbia University and received a Doctor of Hebrew Literature Degree from Jewish Theological Seminary in 1951. 

"Dr. Lieber and his accomplished wife, Dr. Esther Lieber, were married June 10, 1945, are the proud parents of Michael, Deborah, Daniel, and Susan. They have twelve beautiful grandchildren."                   —Donald H. Harrison