Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm (1927–2020) was a preeminent rabbi, thinker, and author whose leadership and scholarship profoundly shaped modern Jewish life. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he studied Talmud in his youth under his grandfather, Rabbi Yehoshua Baumol, scion of a Hasidic dynasty and author of Responsa Emek Halacha.

Rabbi Lamm received his early education at Torah Vodaath before enrolling at Yeshiva College in 1945. He majored in chemistry, graduating summa cum laude and as class valedictorian in 1949. He married Mindella Lamm (née Mehler) on February 23, 1954. In 1966, he earned a PhD in Jewish philosophy from YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. While at Yeshiva University, he studied under Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, becoming the only individual to receive both rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Soloveitchik and to have him serve as his dissertation advisor.

Rabbi Lamm’s rabbinic career included serving at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in New York City, Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Jewish Center in Manhattan, where he served for 18 years. Renowned for his eloquence and intellectual depth, and beloved for his soaring sermons, he skillfully applied Jewish tradition to address contemporary challenges with clarity and insight.

In 1959, Rabbi Lamm joined the Yeshiva University faculty, becoming the Erna and Jakob Michael Professor of Jewish Philosophy in 1966. His academic and communal leadership culminated in his election as the third president of Yeshiva University in 1976, succeeding Dr. Samuel Belkin and Dr. Bernard Revel. At that time, he also became rosh hayeshiva of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), YU’s affiliated rabbinical seminary.

As president, Rabbi Lamm championed Torah Umadda – the synthesis of Torah learning and general studies – solidifying YU’s position as a leading center of Jewish education. In 2003, he transitioned to the role of chancellor while continuing as rosh hayeshiva, serving in both capacities until his retirement on June 30, 2013.

A prolific scholar, Rabbi Lamm authored over 15 books, including Faith and Doubt, Torah Lishmah, Torah Umadda, and The Religious Thought of Hasidism: Text and Commentary, in addition to hundreds of scholarly and popular essays. He also edited or co-edited more than 20 volumes and founded influential publications including Tradition, The Torah U-Madda Journal, and the Orthodox Forum series.

Rabbi Lamm passed away on May 31, 2020, at the age of 92. His legacy of scholarship, leadership, and vision continues to inspire scholars, students, and communities worldwide.