"Your Deeds Will Either Endear You To Or Alienate You From Humanity"
About Rabbi Samuel M. Kaufman
American Chaplain Extraordinaire
Every well-lived and well-loved life is a summation, indeed, a tenacious unity of parts, and none perhaps more so than that of Chaplain Samuel M. Kaufman. His was a journey into the heart of compassion, a single-minded focus on offering solace and succor to traumatized communities in desperate need of a kind word, a sustaining smile, and a helping hand. In the fierce, all-consuming fire of the Holocaust, he brought a soothing balm of concern, gentleness and courtesy, serving as a spiritual rescuer, in effect, who made all the difference between life and death.
Plaque from the Pisa Jewish Community
Presented to Chaplain Kaufman on September 30, 1945
Ten Commandments
Star of David with Zion in middle
“In Honor of the Exemplary Rabbinic Sage,
Chaplain Samuel M. Kaufman
Bound to him and to the American soldiers with feelings of love, solidarity, and gratitude,
the Jewish Community of Pisa presents this small testimonial to Chaplain Kaufman who rededicated our synagogue to hope and to brotherly love
after the terrible storm of hate that engulfed us;
he apportioned our tears to the tragic fate of our unfortunate brethren
and our prayers to better days
and resolved and strove with all his might for our good
with complete and unshakeably deep faith
in the eternal destiny of the Jewish people.’
Simchas Torah 5706
Asher Colombo
Head of the Jewish Community of Pisa
Seal
Timeline and Key Events
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Citation for Bronze Star Medal
Awarded for meritorious achievement in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations
SAMUEL M. KAUFMAN, 0503655, Captain, Chaplain Corps, 27th Replacement Unit, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations from 12 April 1943 to 25 September 1945.
His deep personal interest in the spiritual welfare of the men under his jurisdiction, his kind fatherly disposition, unassuming manner attracted men to him to seek help and consolation in times of discouragement. This confidence in his sound judgment and his sympathetic attitude made and secured permanent friendships.
He sought to be of help to men of other faiths as well, winning the affection of all by his tireless devotion to duty. No matter how difficult or trying a situation confronted him, his will to serve was conspicuously evident.
Chaplain Kaufman consistently displayed to each unit served, a tactful cooperation with all, initiative, intelligence and sound judgment which contributed immeasurably to the morale of the military personnel. Entered the service from Brooklyn, New York.
It is an honor for me to forward this decoration.
Robert P Patterson signature
Official Seal Secretary of War, War Department
Washington D.C.
Testimonial Plaque Awarded by Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University records its genuine appreciation to Chaplain Samuel M. Kaufman, Major, U.S. Army
For his devoted and loyal service in the armed forces of our beloved country during World War II; for bringing the message of the spiritual ideals of traditional Judaism under the most trying circumstances; for sustaining the morale and strengthening the courage of our fighting men and women in the gigantic struggle against paganism and tyranny; for teaching the eternal concepts of Israel that spiritual values and universal justice must ultimately triumph over ruthlessness and material power.
Signed by Chairman Board of Directors, Samuel Levy, and President Samuel Belkin
Official Seal
Date: June 11, 1946
Testimonial Plaque Awarded for 46 Years of Service
Awarded posthumously by the Hospital and the New York County Council Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A
IN MEMORY OF
Rabbi Samuel M. Kaufman
Jewish Chaplain
For His 46 Years of Dedicated Service To The Patients of the
MANHATTAN V.A. MEDICAL CENTER
NEW YORK COUNTY COUNCIL JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE U.S.A.
10 November 2003
15 Heshvan 5764
Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Chaplaincy
Department of Veteran Affairs, presented posthumously in ceremony in Washington DC December 2003 by Secretary Anthony Principi
Department of Veteran Affairs
Insignia
Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Chaplaincy
Presented to
Chaplain Samuel M. Kaufman
151 New York Harbor Health Care System
Northport New York
In recognition of your commitment and dedication to the highest standards of Chaplaincy as demonstrated by the exceptional level of leadership and pastoral care you have provided to our Nation’s veterans.
The American veteran is G-d’s Gift to Us.
Freedom is their Gifts to the World.
Washington DC
Seal December 2003
Anthony J. Principi
Secretary of Veteran Affairs
Legacy
Rabbi Samuel M. Kaufman: Military chaplain, scholar, educator, and hero.
May his memory be for a blessing
