Hirsch, Rabbi Samson Rafael

14 Jun 2006

The father of modern German Orthodoxy, he was a fiery leader, brilliant writer, and profound educator.

His greatness as a Talmudic scholar was obscured by his other monumental accomplishments.

After becoming chief rabbi and Member of Parliament in Bohemia and Moravia, he left to revitalize Torah Judaism in Frankfort-am-Main, which he transformed into a Torah bastion.

His best known works are the classic six-volume Commentary on Chumash and Horeb, a philosophical analysis of the mitzvos.