Arthur L. “Art” Berman served in the Illinois state legislature from 1969-2000- one of the longest tenures in its history- and won 22 elections for public office in his career. He died on June 6 at 85.

Known as “The Education Senator,” Berman championed improved schooling for the children of Illinois as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He served in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly; in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1969 to 1976, and then in the Illinois Senate from 1977 until 2000.

“Art Berman was a terrific Jewish legislator, and a legendary leader,” recalled Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, JUF’s Executive Vice Chairman. “Among his many strong commitments, Art was a champion for improved education for all citizens. His concern for the Jewish people was always apparent and deeply appreciated.”

Berman served on the JUF Board of Directors from 2006-2012.  He and his wife, Barbara, were Golden Givers to the JUF Annual Campaign, with 50 or more consecutive annual gifts. 

“The first time I met Art Berman, he came to speak to my eighth-grade class in 1972,” recalled Jeff Schoenberg, former Ill. State Senator. “After he retired, he remained active in JUF’s Government Affairs Committee, and participated in its annual pilgrimage to Springfield. He still commanded respect in the state capital. One of my favorite parts of the year was the visit from the Jewish delegation; we had a dinner that would feel like a Seder.”

Berman also served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Emanuel Congregation, and many other civic, legal, legislative, educational, and Jewish organizations and committees.

“I believe that Senator Berman’s commitment to quality education was an illustration of his deep Jewish values,” said Ill. State Representative Sara Feigenholtz. “He has given Jewish caucus members enduring lessons on the value of education and things that matter most to our community.”

Greg Hinz, writing for Crain’s Chicago Business, noted that Berman “laid the groundwork for a total remake of how the state funds public schools” but that he “back[ed] not only education reform but gun control, abortion rights, and civil rights protections for gays and lesbians.”

Born in 1935, Berman was a lifelong resident of the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods. He attended public schools and Senn High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1955. In 1958, he earned his law degree at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where he served as editor of the Law Review.

Berman’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Jewish legislators, including Ill. State Representative Bob Morgan, who began his first term in January 2019.

“Art Berman was a legend within the Jewish community,” he said, “and every single Jewish legislator in Illinois knew him.”

Berman is survived by Barbara (nee Dombeck), his wife of almost 30 years, and by his children, Adam (Robyn) Berman and Marcy (Joe) Padorr. He was the adored “Pop Art” of Josh (Zoie) and Alex Berman, Amanda (Drew) Schwartz, and Jake and Jeremy Padorr. The son of the late Morris and Jean Berman, he was the brother of the late David and Steven Berman; the brother-in-law of the late Kenny (Janice Glenn) Dombeck, and an uncle of many. The graveside service was private, with arrangements by The Goldman Funeral Group. Memorials may be made to JUF or to the A Silver Lining Foundation.