Reb Arthur Waskow z”l
(1933-2025)
Reb Arthur Waskow z"l, founder of The Shalom Center, died peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025 surrounded by his wife Rabbi Phyllis Berman and adult children David Waskow and Shoshana Elkin Waskow after visits during the past week with all the grandchildren and in-laws. Just days after celebrating his 92nd birthday, Arthur left his body with ease. A funeral was held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Philadelphia.
Below, you will find video recordings from the funeral, plus obituaries, eulogies / hespedim, tributes, and more.
Arthur is mourned by his wife Rabbi Phyllis Ocean Berman, whom he married in 1986, his son David Waskow (Ketura Persellin), his daughter Shoshana Elkin Waskow (Michael Slater), his stepchildren Josh Sher (Christy Sher) and Morissa Wiser (Jason Wiser), and five grandchildren Yoni Slubin (Hilary Slubin), Elior Waskow, Shifra Waskow, Kalman Slater, and Yaela Wiser. He was predeceased by his brother, Howard, who died in 2012. Read the family’s obituary here.
Baruch Eyl Rachamim v' Emet. Blessed is the Breath of All Life, Merciful and Truthful.
Donate in Arthur’s honor
Arthur was deeply motivated to see The Shalom Center thrive beyond him, continuing to brainstorm new ways to raise funds and support the organization’s future up until his very last days. To honor Arthur’s memory, please donate to support the growth of the next lifecycle of Arthur’s vision of prophetic Judaism.
Watch video recordings from Arthur’s funeral
The video recording from Arthur’s funeral is in three parts. Watch the first part below. Click here to watch all three parts.
Read eulogies / hespedim from Arthur’s funeral
Read tributes for Arthur
Click the arrows on either side of the image below to scroll through a gallery of Facebook posts honoring Arthur
Preorder Arthur’s two new books
Between the time he turned 90 and his recent passing, Reb Arthur z”l wrote two new books (with the help of scribes), the culmination of a lifetime of thought, reflection, and lived experience. Preorder these two special books now as part of a special Shalom Center offer!
