Hedi Steinberg Head Librarian Edith Lubetski Retires after 62 Years
Edith Lubetski, head librarian of Beren’s Hedi Steinberg Library, retired in June after 62 years at Yeshiva University Libraries.
Lubetski, who also served as assistant professor of librarianship at YU, first joined the Mendel Gottesman Library on the Wilf Campus in 1963, a YU spokesperson told The Commentator. She received master’s degrees in library science from Columbia University and in Jewish studies from YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. Lubetski was president of the Association of Jewish Libraries from 1986 to 1988 and has co-authored “The Book of Esther: A Classified Bibliography” and “Building a Judaica Library Collection: A Resource Guide.” She co-edited “Epigraphy, Iconography, and the Bible,” “Recording New Epigraphic Evidence” and “New Inscriptions and Seals Relating to the Biblical World.”
Hedi Steinberg Reference and Instruction Librarian Rina Krautwirth has replaced Lubetski as head librarian, the spokesperson said.
“Professor Lubetski shaped the Hedi Steinberg Library and left an indelible mark,” Krautwirth told The Commentator. “As I embark on this new role, I feel enthusiastic about the role that the library plays in supporting student success. Strong research skills are crucial not only for academic success but for career advancement and day-to-day life as well, and the library takes pride in providing research support — including instructional classes — with this goal in mind.”
On June 18, YU Libraries held a celebration of Lubetski’s career featuring faculty, friends and family, and words from President Rabbi Ari Berman, according to the spokesperson. At the event, she was noted for her Yiddish scholarship — her thesis at Revel focused on the women in the literature of Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem — as well as her professional approach to her job. “Edith closed the celebration by expressing gratitude for the ‘wonderful people’ she worked with throughout her career,” the spokesperson said.
In a 2023 interview with The Commentator, Lubetski said she didn’t plan to become a librarian but ultimately pivoted to the profession when a friend of hers offered to share a role at the Gottesman Library. She explained that her “diverse” job involved running projects, keeping in touch with students and faculty, creating collections and managing staff. She enjoyed her job because she aligned with YU’s mission and because of the people she was able to meet. She hoped students would become aware of all the resources YU Libraries has to offer. “Take full advantage of our resources and services,” she advised students. “Whether through in-person visits, emails, chat or consultations, don’t be shy; seek guidance from the library staff and you will achieve great success in your studies.”
At an event in 2018 honoring faculty milestones, Lubetski was honored by President Berman for 55 years as a librarian at YU.
YU Libraries Director Sandy Moore reflected on Lubetski’s career.
“I had the opportunity to know Edith first as a peer, when I was head of the Pollack Library, and then later as the director of Yeshiva University Libraries,” Moore stated. “Both perspectives gave me a genuine appreciation for her steadiness, her professionalism and her commitment to the people and collections in her care.”
Talia Feldman (SCW ‘26), Lubetski’s granddaughter, also reflected on her contributions to YU.
“For sixty years, my grandmother has been the quiet heartbeat of Yeshiva University’s library, helping generations of students find not just books, but answers, direction and confidence,” Feldman told The Commentator. “Long before search engines existed, she was the search engine: patient, sharp, and endlessly generous with her knowledge. To me, she’s not just ‘the librarian’ people remember; she’s my grandmother, and watching her devote sixty years to something bigger than herself has shaped how I think about purpose and service.”
Photo Caption: Edith Lubetski
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University
