World’s oldest Jew dies in California, aged 114
Pearl Berg was the ninth oldest person in the world and third oldest in the US
The world’s oldest Jew has died in the Los Angeles, California, aged 114.
According to her birth certificate, discovered a few years ago, Pearl Louise Berg (née Synenberg) was born on 1 October 1909 in Evansville, Indiana. Her family, however, believe that she was born on 14 February 1910.
She and her husband Mark, from Ukraine, were married on 15 November, 1931. Mark died 58 years later, when Pearl was 80.
Berg, who died on 1 February, had the longest membership record at her synagogue, Temple Israel of Hollywood, having joined in 1937. Her parents’ families were originally from Russia and Poland.
She celebrated her last birthday in 2023 and had two sons, Alan and Robert.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.






















