About Sam
Dr Samuel Richardson
My Story
I’m a traditional Jewish guy who also happens to be a
sociologist, the husband of Amy, and father of Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel (all homeschooled and now pursuing their family and career dreams). In addition to dabbling in local politics and working as an IT professional for several Fortune 100 companies, I have been involved in a variety of Jewish communities across the country including Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia. In each case, I have been privileged to participate in the Jewish education of children and adults alike. In 2017, I received my PhD in Sociology from the University of Virginia. My ongoing research project, “The Generational Transmission of Jewish Values in Small Communities”, seeks to come to an understanding of how small Jewish communities view themselves, their members and the task of transmitting Jewish values to the next generation, thereby facilitating Jewish continuity.
More About Sam
Sam Richardson, M.Div., PhD, began his academic foray into issues of Jewish identity and continuity at the age of 36 when he woke up one morning with a burning question on his mind, “Will I have Jewishgrandchildren?” This question led him to pursue an MA in Sociology from the University of Connecticut where his research focused on discerning which types of personal attitudes and behaviors would best predict a strong religious identity and facilitate generational identity transmission.
In 2017, Sam defended his dissertation and ongoing research project, “The Generational Transmission of Jewish Values
in Small Communities: The Utility and Magic of Thinking Small at the University of Virginia.” This work challenges contemporary, conventional thinking about Jewish institutions, communities, and identity.
Dr. Richardson currently serves as Assistant Director of the National Marriage Project. He also teaches sociology and religion at Piedmont Virginia Community College.