Jerome Schottenstein
Jerome Meyer Schottenstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 March 1926 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | 10 March 1992 (aged 66) |
| Occupation(s) | Business leader, philanthropist |
| Known for | Co-founder of Schottenstein Stores Corp. |
Jerome Meyer Schottenstein (March 5, 1926 – March 10, 1992) was an American business leader and philanthropist, known as a co-founder of Schottenstein Stores Corp.
Biography
Jerome was born into a Jewish family in Columbus, Ohio, as the son of Ephrayim Schottenstein, a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant, and his wife Anna. In 1917, Ephrayim established a retail store on South Parsons Avenue, which was subsequently expanded by his four sons: Leon, Saul, Jerome, and Alvin.
After completing his studies at Yeshiva University, Jerome joined the family enterprise. This business eventually developed into Schottenstein Stores Corp., encompassing assets such as Schottenstein’s Stores, Value City Furniture, American Eagle Outfitters, Designer Shoe Warehouse, and Consolidated Stores (which later became Big Lots).
Starting in 1980, Jerome held a position on the board of trustees at Yeshiva University and generously funded multiple campus facilities. Among these is the Schottenstein Center located in Washington Heights, which includes the Schottenstein Theater, the Florence and Sol Shenk Synagogue and beit midrash, the Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music, along with other important university amenities.
He played a key role as a founder and honorary lifetime chairman of the Columbus Torah Academy, and made substantial contributions to both the Wexner Heritage House and the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Center. On an international level, he supported Jewish initiatives through his association with the Aish HaTorah World Centre in Jerusalem.
Jerome was also a principal financial supporter of the Schottenstein Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, marking the first Orthodox English translation since the Soncino Edition.
Personal life
Jerome Schottenstein was married to Geraldine Hurwitz; together they had four children: Jay, Ann Schottenstein Deshe, Susan Schottenstein Diamond, and Lori Schottenstein. His sons-in-law, Ari Deshe and Jon Diamond, are co-founders of Safe Auto Insurance Company. His daughter Lori founded the Lori Schottenstein Chabad Center in New Albany, Ohio.
Legacy
In recognition of Jerome’s impactful contributions to Columbus, Ohio State University inaugurated the Jerome Schottenstein Center in 1996.