Dr. Ron Wolfson

Dr. Ron Wolfson, visionary educator and inspirational speaker, is Fingerhut Professor of Education at American Jewish University in Los Angeles and a cofounder of Synagogue 3000.


Articles by Dr. Ron Wolfson

Cutting-Edge Work in the Jewish Community

In  Relational Judaism , I report six case studies of organizations and individuals doing cutting-edge work in creating relational communities. Chabad is numero ...

Relational Judaism For the 21st Century

As I travel around the country visiting Jewish institutions of all kinds, my “worry” quotient is growing daily. Nearly everywhere ...

The Phases of Jewish Bereavement

Jewish mourning customs reflect the natural course of grief and recovery following the death of a loved one.

Sephardic Customs During Shiva

A number of Sephardic shiva customs involve individual and communal study.

Yizkor: The Jewish Memorial Service

Yizkor is recited four times a year during holiday synagogue services.

The Jewish Funeral, or Levaya

A Jewish funeral is held as quickly as possible after death and usually includes readings, a eulogy, and a special memorial prayer.

Questions and Answers About Jewish Funerals

Common questions about Jewish death and burial customs.

The Casket, or Aron

The rabbis mandated a simple wooden coffin to equalize people in death and to enable the return to dust.

How to Make a Shiva Call

Because a shiva call requires total sensitivity to the needs of the mourner, the tradition mandates appropriate behaviors for the visitor.

10 Tips for Planning a Memorable Seder

The seder need not — should not — stick to the script. Innovation is key for a memorable and fun educational experience.