Burton Shanker; headed synagogues, organization

Burton D. Shanker, 79, of West Windsor, N.J., former executive director of synagogues in South Jersey and beyond, died of a brain tumor Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center in Plainsboro, N.J.

At one point in his career, Mr. Shanker was also president of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives and executive director of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, his son Jeff said.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Shanker earned a bachelor's degree at Gratz College in religious studies and business operations.

Mr. Shanker was an Army medic in West Germany.

He became Philadelphia regional director of the Grand Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph, currently the male wing of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. For a time, he was Philadelphia regional director for the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization.

Mr. Shanker spent much of his career as executive director of Temple Beth Shalom in Haddon Heights, before it moved to Cherry Hill, his son said.

He held that same position at Beth Jacob-Beth Israel in Merchantville, his son said.

After he retired, Mr. Shanker was temporary executive director at synagogues in Montgomery County, Connecticut, and Delaware.

"He would go under contract for two years to help them reorganize and help them find a permanent executive director," his son said.

Besides his son, Mr. Shanker is survived by son Richard, daughter Ellen Robbins, a brother, and a grandson. He is survived by his former wife, Ruth Miller.

Services are private.

Donations may be sent to a charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.plattmemorial.com.