Remembering Rabbi Maurice Lamm.
He meant so much to so many
Rabbi Lamm had a long and illustrious rabbinic career, and was for many years the rabbi of Beth Jacob of Beverly Hills, California, one of the largest Orthodox synagogues in the United States. He was the author of five major books, founder and President of the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, and Professor at Yeshiva University’s Rabbinical Seminary, where he held the Chair in Professional Rabbinics. He was an eloquent, famous orator and lectured around the world.
Rabbi Lamm’s most recent publications were Consolation and The Power of Hope, but he is most popularly known for his The Jewish Way In Death And Mourning, considered one of the seven best Jewish books by the New York Times. Rabbi Lamm also wrote The Jewish Way In Love And Marriage, Becoming A Jew on religious conversion, and Living Torah In America, besides hundreds of articles and pamphlets, many of which are available on this website.
One of his major contributions was the creation of the National Institute for Jewish Hospice (NIJH). NIJH has more than 55,000 subscribers; has motivated the creation of 61 Jewish Hospice Commissions; published many programs, pamphlets and the Jewish Hospice Manual. NIJH provides accreditation for Jewish hospices, provides training for medical and health care staffs, and provides consultation to them on hospice and the Jewish community.
Rabbi Maurice Lamm
Founder of The National Institute for Jewish Hospice
A life well lived
Although Rabbi Maurice Lamm, zt”l is deeply missed, it is comforting to know that he died in great glory. All his family were with him as he left this world. His children and grandchildren surrounded his bed. His wife, Shirley Lamm, was holding his hand. Everyone was singing tehillim and smiling with their tears. One of his grandchildren said she could feel an angel come down to bring him to Paradise. His memory will always be a blessing. We are left with his mellifluous words to guide and help us to live our lives to their highest potential. Note some of Rabbi Maurice Lamm’s books cited below.
A sample for future reference:
The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning
The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage
Becoming a Jew
The Power of Hope
Consolation: The Spiritual Journey Beyond Death
Rabbi Lamm was awarded an honorary Doctorate by Yeshiva University, from which he holds a BA, MA, and Ordination, and also served on the faculty of Stern College for Women. Rabbi Lamm was Field Director of Military Chaplains for the National Jewish Welfare Board, with the civilian equivalent rank of Major General and traveled for the U.S. Dept. of Defense to military outposts around the world, from Greenland to Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son Rabbi David; his daughter Dodi Lamm, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Judith Young.
May his memory be a blessing.
