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BERNARD HARRIS BERINS, a longtime resident of Metairie, died at his home of cancer on October 29, 2014, surrounded by loving family. He was 75.<\/p>\n
Berins graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and went on to receive his J.D. from the Tulane University Law School in 1962.<\/p>\n
In 1961, while still attending the Tulane University School of Law, he was employed as a law clerk with Heller & Heller, beginning his nearly 53-year tenure, only slightly interrupted by military service.<\/p>\n
Berins thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law and, more importantly, valued his relationships with his amazing partners, associates and staff. Bernard would have practiced for many more years, but elected to retire from Heller, Draper, Patrick & Horn at the end of 2013 in order to focus his energies in fighting his disease.<\/p>\n
Widely respected for his expertise in real estate and security interests, Berins was also well known for his practice in various business entities as well as bankruptcy and related matters. Most notable to those in the practice of law, he successfully confirmed many allegedly \u201cnon-confirmable\u201d Chapter 11 plans of reorganization. In addition, Bernard handled numerous commercial transactions, including commercial leases, acquisitions, mergers and industrial revenue bond issues. Over the years, he was invited to share his knowledge and expertise as a speaker at conferences and educational seminars.<\/p>\n
From 1962-74 Berins served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, entering as a Seaman Recruit and leaving as a Lieutenant Commander. His time in the Coast Guard added to the extensive repertoire of stories that he loved to share.<\/p>\n
Berins was very active in Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation (formerly Tikvat Shalom Conservative Congregation) in Metairie where he served as a board member for more than 40 years. During that time he held various positions, including president, executive vice president, and vice president of education. As a huge proponent of youth programming, Berins served on the committee that developed the first local United Synagogue Youth (USY) chapter.<\/p>\n
A testament to his ongoing commitment to the congregation, Berins provided legal work required for it to operate and flourish. He revised the by-laws and charter, drafted life cycle rules, and managed the congregation\u2019s purchase, financing and construction of its current site in Metairie. He also assisted in the legal work for the innovative sale of a portion of Shir Chadash\u2019s property to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and the consolidation of Congregation Chevra Thilim and Tikvat Shalom Conservative Congregation.<\/p>\n
During his term as president of the Label A. Katz Lodge of B\u2019nai Brith, Berins helped launch the Operation Brotherhood program in which members of the Jewish fraternal organization were able to fill in for some employees of East Jefferson General Hospital so that they could spend the Christmas holiday at home with their families.<\/p>\n
Above all his nonprofit endeavors, Berins received the most satisfaction from his more than 32-year tenure as the first chairman of the Congregation\u2019s cemetery, where he played a key role in the acquisition of the Tikvat Shalom Conservative Congregation Cemetery.<\/p>\n
In recent years, he was also a member of Chabad Jewish Center of Metairie.<\/p>\n
Berins is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Z. Berins ;his children, Deborah L. Berins of Austin, Texas, Amy Berins Shapiro and David M. Berins; brothers Howard and Leonard Berins and three grandchildren.<\/p>\n
Visitation will begin on Friday, October 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. followed by services at 12:00 Noon at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation in Metairie. Interment will follow at the Tikvat Shalom Conservative Congregation Cemetery in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 11316 River Road, St. Rose, Louisiana, officiated by Rabbi Yossie Nemes of Chabad Jewish Center of Metairie.<\/p>\n
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, 3737 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 or Chabad Jewish Center of Metairie, 4141 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002. Condolences may be expressed online here<\/a>. Information, please call (504) 835-2341<\/p>\n