Leonard Bernstein

Birth Name: Louis Bernstein

Date of Birth: August 25, 1918

Place of Birth: Lawrence, Essex, Massachusetts, U.S.

Date of Death: October 14, 1990

Place of Death: New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish

Leonard Bernstein was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian.

Leonard was the son of Jennie (Resnick) and Samuel Joseph Bernstein, who owned The Samuel Bernstein Hair and Beauty Supply Company, which was very popular. His parents were Jewish emigrants, from Rovno, Russian Empire, now Ukraine. He legally changed his first name to Leonard when he was eighteen.

He was married to stage and television actress Felicia Montealegre, until her death, with whom he had three children. Felicia was born in San José, Costa Rica, to an American father, who was of half Ashkenazi Jewish and half English descent, and a Chilean/Hispanic mother. Felicia converted to Judaism when marrying Leonard.

Leonard’s paternal grandfather was Yehuda Yudel/Idel/Judka/”Judah” Bernstein (the son of Bezalel/Betzalel “Charles” Berenstein/Bernstein and Chaia/Chaye Lemberg). Yehuda was born in Ozeran/Ozeryany, Dubno, Volhynia.

Leonard’s paternal grandmother was named Dina Malamud/Melamed. Dina was born in Pereezd, Novgorod Oblast.

Leonard’s maternal grandfather was named Samuel Simcha Resnick. Samuel was born in Wolhynien.

Leonard’s maternal grandmother was named Pearl/Perel Zorfas (the daughter of Louis Eliezer Zorfas and Charna). Pearl was born in Wolhynien.

Source: Genealogy of Leonard Bernstein – https://www.geni.com