Rabbi Maurice Lamm, 86, Author, Teacher, Scholar, Pulpit Rabbi

Rabbi Maurice Lamm, author of The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning and other popular works on Jewish law and tradition, passed away on June 29 in New York City. He served as an acclaimed professor, pulpit rabbi, and military and hospital chaplain. Lamm was 86 years old.

The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning was selected by The New York Times as one of the 10 best religious books of the year when it was first published in 1969. It leads family and friends of the deceased through the most difficult chapter of life—from the moment of death through the funeral service, the burial and the various periods of mourning.

His devotion to spreading works of Jewish law, thought and tradition to the widest possible audience was so extraordinary that he freely granted full permission to Chabad.org to publish his writings online and make them freely available to online readers.

As a result, The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, as well as the rabbi’s other works, like The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage, have helped tens of thousands of people who consulted them for practical advice and guidance, in print and online. His works continue to be bestsellers in Jewish bookstores and through online sales.

An acclaimed scholar and teacher, Lamm held the chair of professional rabbinics at Yeshiva University’s RIETS rabbinical seminary in New York until his retirement and served on the faculty of Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women.

A seasoned pulpit rabbi, Lamm was rabbi of Beth Jacob of Beverly Hills, Calif., from 1971 to 1984.

He served as the field director of U.S military chaplains during the Vietnam war with the civilian equivalent of major general. As a leading proponent of Jewish hospital chaplaincy, Lamm was president of the National Institute for Jewish Hospice.

The rabbi is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son, Rabbi David Lamm; his daughter, Dodi Lamm; his brother, Rabbi Norman Lamm, who served for decades as chancellor of Yeshiva University; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Judith Young.

Rabbi Lamm’s funeral took place on Thursday in New York, after which he was laid to rest in Israel.