Goldhamer, PhD, Rabbi Douglas
Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer PhD, 76, passed to the next level of existence on February 3, 2022. Loving and devoted husband of Peggy Bagley for 41 years. Dear brother of Dr. Paul Goldhamer (Dr. Michele Farine). Brotherin-law of Sharon Hammel, Bill Bagley, the late Bobbie (David) Merzazada, and the late Jim Bagley. Loving
son of the late Harry and the late Jean Goldhamer. Proud uncle of Ilana Goldhamer, Adam (Laura) Goldhopf, Hassan (Sahar) Merzazada, Asha (Nick) Ioanou, and Jessica (Rob) Kondratenko. Great uncle of Ori and River Rose Goldhopf, Ellie and Athan Ioanou, and Salma Merzazada. He loved his dog Charlie, and all the dogs that came before him in this life. When he walked down the street, Rabbi Douglas always carried money in his pocket in case he met a poor person, and a few dog treats and a can of cat food in case he met a hungry stray animal. Following his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Rabbi Goldhamer, together with Chicago
deaf leaders, established Congregation Bene Shalom/Hebrew Association of the Deaf in 1972. For the past 50 years, he was Senior Rabbi, serving the Deaf and hearing Jewish communities. In 1992, Rabbi Goldhamer founded Hebrew Seminary, where he served as President and Professor of Jewish Mysticism. He lectured on philosophy, Jewish mysticism and prayer throughout the United States. Rabbi Goldhamer received his Bachelor of Hebrew Law, Master of Hebrew Letters and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Sir George Williams University, Montreal. His Ph.D. was in Medieval Philosophy from University of Chicago. He was born in Montreal, Canada in 1945, and was very proud to become a citizen of the United States in 2003. Together with Melinda Stengel, a licensed social worker, Goldhamer wrote This is for Everyone: Universal Principles of Healing Prayer and the Jewish Mystics, published by Larson Publications, in 1999. He and his wife Peggy Bagley wrote Healing with God’s Love: Kabbalah’s Hidden Secrets in 2015. Rabbi Goldhamer wrote a Torah commentary for the Chicago Jewish News for many years. Reflecting his ability to communicate in myriad ways, the Rabbi began painting 30 years ago, with a focus on Jewish mystical and Biblical themes. His magnificent artwork has been shown in galleries nationally. During 1972-76, Rabbi Goldhamer served as NBC newscaster on Chicago’s local Channel 5, during the local spot on The Today Show. In 2007, he was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Jewish Leaders in Chicago,” by the Chicago Jewish News. This past summer, he was the subject of a YouTube video, “Sign of the Times,” produced by Silver Screen Studios. Service Monday 1PM at Chicago Jewish
8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to Rabbi Goldhamer Memorial Fund, 4435 Oakton, Skokie, IL 60076. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com