Ira Kaufman Bio

The Founder of the Chapel that bears his name, Ira Kaufman learned as a young immigrant from Poland that his faith in Judaism, his connection to the Detroit community and his deep compassion would provide invaluable consolation at defining moments in the lives of his neighbors.

After working as a salesman and owning a hardware store on Detroit’s East Side, Ira Kaufman became a funeral director in 1941. His first chapel, on Dexter and Edison in Detroit, helped him build close relationships with families, congregations and community organizations. Later in life, he gave back to the community by recording Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies for local families.

Today, three subsequent generations of his family uphold his values by working with families every day.