Levi Herzfeld
Encyclopedia
Levi Herzfeld was a German rabbi and historian.
at Würzburg
, and under District Rabbi Samuel Egers at Brunswick. In 1833 he went to the University of Berlin, at the same time completing his Talmudic studies with Rabbis Oettinger and Rosenstein, and with Leopold Zunz
. Herzfeld took his degree (Ph.D.) in 1836, and shortly after was called by Egers, who had become blind, as his assistant at Brunswick. In 1842 he succeeded his master as "Landesrabbiner," retaining that office until his death. In 1879 the Duke of Brunswick conferred upon him the title of professor.
Herzfeld displayed great activity, both as rabbi and as writer. His historical works embody the results of painstaking research and show analytical power. With Ludwig Philippson
he convoked the first rabbinical convention at Brunswick
, where, as well as in the subsequent conventions at Frankfort and Breslau, he advocated a moderate Reform, remaining himself a strict observer of the traditions.
Life
Having chosen the rabbinical career, he studied under Chief Rabbi Abraham BingAbraham Bing
Abraham Bing was born in Frankfurt in 1752, and received his rabbinic training from Nathan Adler. From 1769 to 1778, he served as "Klaus" rabbi in the town of Offenbach am Main. Between 1778-1796 he served as dayan in Frankfurt, and from 1796 to 1814 he served as rabbi of the town in...
at Würzburg
Würzburg
Würzburg is a city in the region of Franconia which lies in the northern tip of Bavaria, Germany. Located at the Main River, it is the capital of the Regierungsbezirk Lower Franconia. The regional dialect is Franconian....
, and under District Rabbi Samuel Egers at Brunswick. In 1833 he went to the University of Berlin, at the same time completing his Talmudic studies with Rabbis Oettinger and Rosenstein, and with Leopold Zunz
Leopold Zunz
Leopold Zunz was a German Reform rabbi and writer, the founder of what has been termed "Jewish Studies" or "Judaic Studies" , the critical investigation of Jewish literature, hymnology and ritual...
. Herzfeld took his degree (Ph.D.) in 1836, and shortly after was called by Egers, who had become blind, as his assistant at Brunswick. In 1842 he succeeded his master as "Landesrabbiner," retaining that office until his death. In 1879 the Duke of Brunswick conferred upon him the title of professor.
Herzfeld displayed great activity, both as rabbi and as writer. His historical works embody the results of painstaking research and show analytical power. With Ludwig Philippson
Ludwig Philippson
Ludwig Philippson was a German rabbi and author, the son of Moses Philippson.He was educated at the gymanasium of Halle and at the University of Berlin, and maintained himself by tutoring and by doing literary work...
he convoked the first rabbinical convention at Brunswick
Rabbinical Conference of Brunswick
The Rabbinical Conference of Brunswick was a conference held in 1844 in Brunswick, convoked by Levi Herzfeld and Ludwig Philippson. Other attendees included Solomon Formstecher, Samuel Hirsch, Mendel Hess, Samuel Holdheim...
, where, as well as in the subsequent conventions at Frankfort and Breslau, he advocated a moderate Reform, remaining himself a strict observer of the traditions.
Works
Herzfeld's writings include:- "Kohelet, Uebersetzt und Erläutert," Brunswick, 1838
- "Das Deutsche in der Liturgie der Braunschweiger Synagoge," 1844
- "Vorschläge zu einer Reform der Jüdischen Ehegesetze," ib. 1846
- "Geschichte des Volkes Jisrael von der Zerstörung des Ersten Tempels bis zur Einsetzung des Makkabäers Schimon zum Hohenpriester und Fürsten," 3 vols., ib. 1847 (Nordhausen, 1855-57; abridged edition, 1870)
- a volume of sermons, 1858 (2d ed. Leipsic, 1863)
- "Minḥat Zikkaron," a primer for Jewish schools, 1861 (2d ed. 1866)
- "Metrologische Voruntersuchungen zu einer Geschichte des Ibräischen, Respektive Altjüdischen Handels," ib. 1863-65
- "Zwei Vorträge über die Kunstleistungen der Alten Juden," ib. 1864
- "Handelsgesch. der Juden des Alterthums," Brunswick, 1879
- "Einblicke in das Sprachliche der Semitischen Urzeit, Betreffend die Entstehungsweise der Meisten Hebräischen Wortstämme," Hanover, 1883.