View source for Samson Raphael Hirsch

{{Short description|19th century German Jewish theologian}}
{{Infobox Jewish leader
| honorific-prefix = Rabbi
| name = Samson Raphael Hirsch
| title = Rabbi
| image = Samson Raphael Hirsch (FL12173324).crop.jpg
| caption = Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
| synagogue = Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft (IRG), [[Khal Adath Jeshurun]]
| synagogueposition = Rabbi
| yeshiva = 
| yeshivaposition = 
| began = 
| ended = 
| predecessor = 
| successor = [[Solomon Breuer]]
| rabbi = 
| rank = 
| other_post = 
| birth_name = 
| birth_date = 20 June 1808 (25 Sivan 5568)
| birth_place = [[Hamburg]], [[First French Empire|French Empire]]
| death_date = 31 December 1888 (27 Tevet 5649) (aged 80)
| death_place = [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[German Empire]]
| buried = Frankfurt am Main
| nationality = German
| residence = 
| parents = 
| father = Raphael Arye Hirsch
| mother = Gella Hirsch
| spouse = Hannah Jüdel
| children = 
| occupation = 
| profession = 
| alma_mater = [[University of Bonn]]
| semicha = [[Jacob Ettlinger]]<ref name="Miller">Rabbi Dr. Moshe Y. Miller (2019). [https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/what-is-rav-samson-raphael-hirschs-legacy-an-appreciation-on-his-130th-yahrzeit/2019/01/04/ What Is Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch's Legacy? An Appreciation on His 130th Yahrzeit], jewishpress.com</ref> <!-- [[Isaac Bernays]]<ref name="Rosenberg"/> -->
| signature = 
| organization = 
| organizationposition = 
| denomination = [[Orthodox Judaism]]
| employer = 
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}}

'''Samson Raphael Hirsch''' ({{Langx|he|שמשון רפאל הירש}}; 20 June 1808 – 31 December 1888) was a German [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[rabbi]] best known as the intellectual founder of the ''[[Torah im Derech Eretz]]'' school of contemporary [[Orthodox Judaism]]. Occasionally termed ''neo-Orthodoxy'', his philosophy, together with that of [[Azriel Hildesheimer]], has had a considerable influence on the development of [[Orthodox Judaism]].<ref name=Klugman>{{cite book |author=Eliyahu Meir Klugman |title=Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch: Architect of Judaism for the Modern World |publisher=Artscroll Mesorah |location=Brooklyn, NY |year=1996 |isbn=0-89906-632-1}}</ref>

Hirsch was rabbi in [[Oldenburg in Holstein|Oldenburg]], [[Emden]], and was subsequently appointed chief rabbi of [[Moravia]]. From 1851 until his death, Hirsch led the secessionist Orthodox community in [[Frankfurt am Main]]. He wrote a number of influential books, and for a number of years published the monthly journal ''Jeschurun'', in which he outlined his philosophy of Judaism. He was a vocal opponent of [[Reform Judaism]], [[Zionism]], and similarly opposed early forms of [[Conservative Judaism]].<ref name=Klugman/><ref name=":0">{{cite book |last1=Hirsch |first1=Samson Rapahel |title=THE HIRSCH SIDDUR - The Order of Prayers For The Whole Year |date=1969 |publisher=The Samson Raphael Hirsch Publications Society / FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS |pages=138}}</ref>

== Early years and education ==
Hirsch was born in [[Hamburg]], which was then a part of [[First French Empire|Napoleonic France]]. His father, Raphael Arye Hirsch, though a merchant, devoted much of his time to [[Torah]] studies; his grandfather, Mendel Frankfurter, was the founder of the [[Talmud Torah]] schools in Hamburg and unsalaried assistant rabbi of the neighboring congregation of [[Altona, Hamburg|Altona]]; and his granduncle, Yehudah Leib (Löb) Frankfurter Shapira (1743-1846), was the author of several Hebrew works, including the [[Torah]] commentary ''Harechasim le-Bik'ah'' (הרכסים לבקעה).<ref>[https://alhatorah.org/Commentators:R._Yehuda_Leib_Frankfurter_(HaRekhasim_Levikah) R. Yehuda Leib Frankfurter Spira – Intellectual Profile]; see commentary at {{Alhatorah|Genesis|1|HaRekhasim_Levik'ah}}, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/45410 הרכסים לבקעה] at hebrewbooks.org</ref>

Hirsch was a student of ''[[hakham|Chacham]]'' [[Isaac Bernays]], and the [[Tanakh|Biblical]] and [[Talmud]]ical education which he received, combined with his teacher's influence, led him to determine not to become a merchant, as his parents had desired, but to choose the rabbinical vocation. In furtherance of this plan, he studied [[Talmud]] from 1828 to 1829 in [[Mannheim]] under Rabbi [[Jacob Ettlinger]]. He received ''[[semicha]]'' (ordination) from Rabbi Ettlinger<ref name="Miller"/> in 1830, at the age of 22.<ref name="Rosenberg"/> He then entered the [[University of Bonn]], where he studied at the same time as his future antagonist, [[Abraham Geiger]].<ref name=Klugman/>

==Career==
[[Image:Samson_Raphael_Hirsch_(ZR002).jpg|thumb|200px|Hirsch in Oldenburg (1830-1841). The wig instead of a hat has been seen as an attempt to satisfy both Jewish religious requirements and secular fashion.<ref>{{cite book | last=Aschheim | first=Steven E. | title=Brothers and strangers: The east European Jew in German and German Jewish consciousness, 1800-1923 | publisher=University of Wisconsin Press | date=1982 | isbn=978-0-299-09113-2 | oclc=179582739 | page=10 |postscript=none}}; {{cite book | last=Rubens | first=Alfred | title=A history of Jewish costume | publisher=Owen | publication-place=London | date=1973 | isbn=0-297-76593-0 | oclc=1047367 |page=161}}</ref>]]
[[Image:SamsonHirsch1.jpg|thumb|200px|An 1868 illustration.<ref name=Klugman/>]]
[[File:Samson-raphael-hirsch-schule_frankfurt_hesse_germany.jpg|thumb|200px|The Frankfurt school  Hirsch founded as "Realschule und Lyzeum der Israelitischen Religionsgesellschaft" in 1853 was renamed [[:de:Samson-Raphael-Hirsch-Schule|Samson-Raphael-Hirsch-Schule]] in 1928.]]
[[File:Samson-raphael-hirsch-schule commemorative plaque2001 frankfurt hesse germany.JPG|thumb|200px|Plaque discussing the school's forced closure in 1939; its last part reads: "The school conveyed traditional Jewish values, together with a secular education. It was a model for Modern Orthodox schools."]]
[[File:HirschBamberger.jpg|thumb|A column in the Vienna-based newspaper [https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/neuzeit-die ''Die Neuzeit''] concerning ''Austritt'', as described aside.]]
[[File:Samson Raphael Hirsch And Wife Grave Frankfurt.jpeg|thumb|200px|Tombstones of Hirsch and his wife Johanna]]

=== Oldenburg ===
In 1830, Hirsch was elected [[chief rabbi]] (''Landesrabbiner'') of the [[Grand Duchy of Oldenburg|Principality of Oldenburg]]. During this period, he wrote his ''Neunzehn Briefe über Judenthum,'' (''Nineteen Letters on Judaism'') which were published under the pseudonym of "Ben Usiel" (or "Uziel"), at Altona in 1836. This work made a profound impression in German Jewish circles because it was "something new — a brilliant, intellectual presentation of [[Orthodox Judaism]] in classic German, and a fearless, uncompromising defense of all its institutions and ordinances".<ref name=Klugman/>

One of the young intellectuals strongly influenced by the "Nineteen Letters" was [[Heinrich Graetz]]. Following a personal letter that Graetz wrote to Hirsch, Hirsch offered Graetz to host him at his own house for the continuation of his studies. Graetz then lived at Hirsch's house in Oldenburg from 1837 to 1840, as a pupil, companion, and amanuensis.<ref>Shmuel Ettinger and Marcus Pyka, "Graetz, Heinrich," ''Encyclopaedia Judaica'', Encyclopedia.com. 9 Sep. 2021</ref>"
Hirsch's major works are discussed in further detail [[#Works|below]].

In 1838, Hirsch published, "as a necessary concomitant" of the ''Letters'', his ''Horeb, oder Versuche über Jissroel's Pflichten in der Zerstreuung'', as a text-book on Judaism for educated Jewish youth. He had written ''Horeb'' first, but his publishers doubted that a work defending traditional Judaism would find a market in those times with reform in vogue.<ref name=Klugman/>

In 1839, he published ''Erste Mittheilungen aus Naphtali's Briefwechsel'', a polemical essay against the [[Reform Judaism|reforms in Judaism]] proposed by Geiger and the contributors to the latter's ''Wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift für jüdische Theologie'' (such as [[Michael Creizenach]]); and in 1844, he published ''Zweite Mittheilungen aus einem Briefwechsel über die Neueste Jüdische Literatur'', also polemical in tendency and attacking [[Samuel Holdheim|Holdheim's]] ''Die Autonomie der Rabbinen'' (1843).<ref name=Klugman/>

=== Emden ===
Hirsch remained in Oldenburg until 1841 when he was elected chief rabbi of the Hanoverian districts of [[Aurich]] and [[Osnabrück]], with his residence in [[Emden]]. During this five-year post, he was taken up almost completely by communal work and had little time for writing. He did, however, found a secondary school with a curriculum featuring both [[Judaism|Jewish studies]] and a secular program, for the first time employing his motto ''[[Torah im Derech Eretz]]'' ("The Torah is maximalized in partnership with worldly involvement").<ref name=Klugman/>

In 1843, Hirsch applied for the post of [[Chief Rabbi]] of the [[British Empire]]. Out of 13 candidates, mostly from Germany, he reached the shortlist of four: [[Nathan Marcus Adler]], Hirsch Hirschfeld, [[Benjamin Hirsch Auerbach]], and Hirsch.<ref name=Klugman/> Adler won the position on 1 December 1844. With 135 communities having one vote each, Adler received 121 votes, Hirschfeld 12, and Hirsch 2.<ref name="Rosenberg">{{cite news |author=Rosenberg, Stephen Gabriel | title= Samson Raphael Hirsch: The British connection |url=https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Guest-Column-Samson-Raphael-Hirsch-The-British-connection |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=2008-06-12 | access-date=2018-04-19}}</ref>

=== Nikolsburg ===
In 1846, Hirsch was called to the rabbinate of [[Mikulov|Nikolsburg]] in [[Moravia]], and in 1847, he became chief rabbi of [[Moravia]] and Austrian Silesia. In Austria, he spent five years in the re-organization of the Jewish congregations and the instruction of numerous disciples; he was also, in his official capacity as chief rabbi, a member of the Moravian ''[[Landtag]]'', where he campaigned for more civil rights for Jews in Moravia.<ref name=Klugman/>

In Moravia, Hirsch had a difficult time, on the one side receiving criticism from the Reform-minded, and on the other side from a deeply traditional [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] element, which found some of his reforms too radical. Hirsch placed a much stronger emphasis on a deep study of the entire [[Hebrew Bible]], rather than just the [[Torah]] and selected Bible readings, in addition to [[Talmud]], as had been the custom of religious Jews up until then.<ref name=Klugman/>

=== Frankfurt am Main ===
In 1851, he accepted a call as rabbi of an Orthodox separatist group in [[Frankfurt am Main]], a part of the Jewish community of which had otherwise largely accepted classical Reform Judaism. This group, known as the "Israelite Religious Society" ("Israelitische Religions-Gesellschaft", or IRG), became, under his administration, a great congregation, numbering about 500 families. Hirsch remained rabbi of this congregation for the rest of his life.<ref name=Klugman/>

Hirsch organized the ''Realschule'' and the ''Bürgerschule'', in which thorough Jewish training was provided, along with those aspects of secular training deemed true according to the [[Torah]] (''[[Torah im Derech Eretz]]''). He also founded and edited the monthly magazine ''Jeschurun'' (1855–1870; new series, 1882 et seq); most of the pages of the Jeschurun were filled by himself.<ref name=Klugman/>
During this period he produced his commentaries on [[Chumash (Judaism)|''Chumash'']] (Pentateuch), ''Tehillim'' (Psalms) and ''[[siddur]]'' (prayer book).

====''Austritt''====
In 1876, [[Edward Lasker (politician)|Edward Lasker]] (a Jewish parliamentarian in the [[Prussian Landtag]]) introduced the "Secession Bill" (''Austrittsgesetz''), which would enable Jews to secede from a religious congregation without having to relinquish their religious status. The law was passed on 28 July 1876. Despite the new legislation, a conflict arose whether "''Austritt''" (secession) was required by [[halakha|Jewish law]]. Hirsch held this was mandatory, even though it involved a court appearance and visible disapproval of the Reform-dominated "Main Community" (''Grossgemeinde''). His contemporary [[Seligman Baer Bamberger|Isaac Dov (Seligman Baer) Bamberger]], [[Rabbi]] of [[Würzburg]], argued that as long as the ''Grossgemeinde'' made appropriate arrangements for the Orthodox element, secession was unnecessary. The schism caused a terrible rift and many hurt feelings, and its aftershocks could be felt until the ultimate destruction of the Frankfurt community by the Nazis.<ref name=Klugman/>

=== Final years ===
During the final years of his life, Hirsch put his efforts in the founding of the "''Freie Vereinigung für die Interessen des Orthodoxen Judentums''", an association of independent Jewish communities. During the 30 years after his death, this organization would be used as a model for the formation of the international Orthodox [[Agudat Yisrael|Agudas Yisrael]] movement. Hirsch had a great love for the [[Land of Israel]], which is apparent from his writings, but was opposed to the proto-[[Zionism|Zionist]] activities of [[Zvi Hirsch Kalischer]].<ref name=Klugman/>  He opposed any movement to wrest political independence for the Land of Israel before the Messianic Era.<ref name=":0" /> In later works, he makes it clear that Jewish sovereignty is dependent only on Divine Providence.<ref name=":1" />

From reports of his family members, it seems likely that Hirsch contracted [[malaria]] while in Emden, which continued to plague him during the rest of life with febrile episodes.<ref name=Klugman/>

Hirsch died in 1888 in [[Frankfurt am Main]], and is buried there.<ref name=Klugman/>

Hirsch's son [[:de:Mendel Hirsch|Mendel Hirsch]] {{in lang|de}} (1833–1900) was a scholar and writer; his granddaughter [[Rahel Hirsch]] (1870–1953) became the first female professor of medicine in [[Prussia]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | author=Lindner, Petra | title=Rahel Hirsch | encyclopedia=Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia | date=1 March 2009 | publisher=Jewish Women's Archive | access-date=December 5, 2011 | url=http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/hirsch-rahel}}</ref>

== Works==
[[File:Samson Raphael Hirsch. Bernard Drachman. The Nineteen Letters of Ben Uziel. 1899.pdf|thumb|''The Nineteen Letters of Ben Uziel''. Translated by [[Bernard Drachman]], 1899.]]
[[File:Tehilim translated and elucidated by Rabbi Shamshon Refael Hirsch. Frankfurt A.M. 1882.de.jpg|thumb|The Book of Psalms translated and elucidated by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. Frankfurt A.M. 1882.]]
[[File:Samson Raphael Hirsch. Sefer Horev. 1895.pdf|thumb|Horev, 1895 Hebrew translation]]

===Commentary on the Torah===
Hirsch's innovative and influential commentary on the Pentateuch 
<ref>See general discussion under: Rabbi Y. Kaganoff (2016). [https://mishpacha.com/a-new-commentary-for-a-changed-world/ A New Commentary for a Changed World], [[Mishpacha|mishpacha.com]]</ref>
(''Uebersetzung und Erklärung des Pentateuchs'', "Translation and explanation of the Pentateuch"; 5 volumes published 1867–78), has been "hailed as a classic" since the publication of the first volume, ''[[Book of Genesis|Bereshit]]''.
According to Hirsch, the goal of the commentary was to expound the text by ascertaining the exact meaning of the words, their etymology, [[philology]], and origin, and, this achieved, "to establish, on the basis of [[halakha|halakhic]] and [[aggada|aggadic]] interpretations, [[Hashkafa|the Jewish ''Weltanschauung'']]".
<ref>Simon Langer (1961). [https://www.jstor.org/stable/23255293?seq=1  Reviewed Work: Commentary on the Pentateuch, Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus, Parts I and II by Samson Raphael Hirsch, Isaac Levy]. ''Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought''. Vol. 3, No. 2 (SPRING 1961), pp. 233-238 ]</ref>
A feature of the commentary is its analysis of the meanings and symbols in the religious precepts ([[mitzvah|''mitzvot'']]); see further below. This analysis, too, builds on the discussion of the Hebrew, while at the same time, it draws on the treatment of each ''mitzvah'' in the [[Oral Torah]], intentionally <ref>Rabbi [[Yitzchak Blau]] (2019). [https://www.etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/issues-jewish-thought/rabbinic-thought/r-hirsch-and-details-mitzvot R. Hirsch and the Details of Mitzvot].</ref> consistent with the final application in [[Halakha]]. 
The commentary gained worldwide popularity for its scope of insight and information offered to scholar and layman alike, and is still widely referenced.<ref>See for example, [https://torah.org/series/ravhirsch/ "The Timeless Rav Hirsch"] on torah.org, and [https://outorah.org/series/86/ "Rav Hirsch"] on outorah.org</ref>
{{section link|Oral Torah#In rabbinic literature and commentary}} provides further context; and see also {{section link|Jewish commentaries on the Bible#Acharonim (1600–)}} and {{section link|Yeshiva#Torah and Bible study}}.

===Nineteen Letters===
Hirsch's ''Nineteen Letters on Judaism'' (''Neunzehn Briefe über Judenthum''), published in 1836 under the pseudonym "Ben Uziel", offered an intellectual presentation of Orthodox Judaism in classical German and a "fearless, uncompromising defense" of all its institutions and ordinances. (See under [[#Oldenburg|Oldenburg]] above.)
It was written in the form of a fictional correspondence between a young rabbi/philosopher and a youthful intellectual.<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Nineteen_Letters ''Nineteen Letters''] on [[sefaria]].org</ref> 
The first letter, the intellectual's, outlines the challenges that [[Jewish emancipation|emancipation]] created for modern Jews, and questions the continued relevance of Judaism. The rabbi responds in the subsequent letters, discussing, in a structured sequence, God, man, and Jewish history; leading to a discussion of the ''mitzvot'' and their classification (as employed in ''Horeb''). 
The work made a profound impression on German Jewish circles and has been republished and translated several times; it is still influential and often taught.<ref>See for example: [https://outorah.org/series/3115/ ''19 Letters''], outorah.org; [https://staff.ncsy.org/education/education/material/4oEMREnXJF/19-letters-of-ben-uziel-teachers-guide/ 19 Letters of Ben Uziel Teacher's Guide], ncsy.org</ref>

===''Horeb''===
''Horeb'' (subtitled ''Versuche über Jissroel's Pflichten in der Zerstreuung'', “Essays on the Duties of the Jewish People in the Diaspora”), published 1838, is Rabbi Hirsch's presentation of Jewish law and observances, with particular emphasis on their underlying ideas, capturing the "unifying ideological threads"; 
these discussions are still regularly taught and referenced.
<ref>See for example [https://outorah.org/series/4128/ "Horeb - Philosophy of law and observances from Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch"], outorah.org, and [http://www.sarahlipman.com/horeb "Rav Hirsch Horeb Shiurim"], Sarah Lipman</ref>
The title is a reference to the [[Ten Commandments|(Ten) Commandments]]; [[Mount Horeb]], {{bibleverse||Exodus|3:1|HE}}, is another name for [[Mount Sinai]].
''Horeb'' is organized into six sections, according to Hirsch's classification of the commandments. 
As for the ''Letters'', its historical background is the [[Haskalah|enlightenment]], and particularly the beginnings of [[Reform Judaism]], and it thus constituted an attempt "to lead the young generation of Jewry back to the Divine law."<ref>Dayan [[Isidor Grunfeld]]. [https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/horebaphilosophy027897mbp.pdf ''Introduction to Horeb'']</ref>
See  also [[#Themes in his work|below]].
In it Hirsch shows that the Torah's ''mitzvot'', are not mere "ceremonies", but "duties" of Israel. 
It was then, to some extent, "a necessary concomitant of the Letters".
It was conceived, also, to deal with the practical observances of Judaism - providing summarised Halachot relevant to each sub-section.

===Commentary on the ''Siddur'' and Psalms===
Rabbi Hirsch left in manuscript at the time of his death a translation and explanation of the [[siddur|prayer-book]], which was subsequently published. 
His commentary on [[Pirkei Avot]] here, has been republished separately. 
His commentary on the book of [[Psalms]] (''Uebersetzung und Erklärung der Psalmen'', 1882) is still widely read; it underpins much of his ''siddur'' commentary.

===Works of activism===
Works here (besides similar mentioned above) include:
* Pamphlet: ''Jüdische Anmerkungen zu den Bemerkungen eines Protestanten'' (anon.), Emden, 1841- response to a provocative and anti-Semitic pamphlet by an anonymous [[Protestant]]
* Pamphlet: ''Die Religion im Bunde mit dem Fortschritt'' (anon.), Frankfurt am Main, 1854 - response to provocations from the side of the Reform-dominated "Main Community"
* Pamphlets during the Secession Debate:
** ''Das Princip der Gewissensfreiheit'' (The principle of freedom of conscience), 1874
** ''Der Austritt aus der Gemeinde'' (Leaving the community), 1876
* ''Ueber die Beziehungen des Talmuds zum Judenthum'' (On the Talmud's Relationships with Judaism), 1884  - a defense of [[Talmud]]ic literature against anti-Semitic slanders in Russia

===Translations and collections===
Most of Hirsch's writings have been translated into English and [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] by his descendants, starting with "Horeb" in the 1950s (by Dayan [[Isidor Grunfeld]] of London) and his [[Torah]] commentary in the 1960s (by his grandson Isaac Levi, also of London). Horeb was translated into Hebrew already in 1892.<ref>[https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/41649 Hebrew translation] @ hebrewbooks.org</ref>

The publication, in several volumes, of his collected writings (''Gesammelte Schriften'' or ''Nachalath Zwi'') was begun in 1902.<ref name=Klugman/> The bulk of these, that had previously been published in German in 1902-1912 under the title ''Nachalath Zwi'', were translated between 1984 and 2012 by the "Rabbi Dr. [[Joseph Breuer]]  [https://www.rabbibreuerfoundation.org Foundation]" (established to perpetuate the memory of Breuer, Hirsch's grandson, via publication of Hirsch's (and Breur's) writings).<ref name=Klugman/>
Many of the ''Collected Writings'' are available online and linked [https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/collected_writings.html here].

''Nineteen Letters'' was translated into English by Bernard Drachman in 1899<ref>Available [https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/The_Nineteen_Letters_of_Ben_Uziel.pdf in PDF], and as free-flowing text [https://www.sefaria.org/Nineteen_Letters?lang=bi at Sefaria].</ref> and 1960<ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/752695395 "'The Nineteen Letters on Judaism' Prepared by Jacob Breuer in a new edition based on the translation by Bernard Drachman"]</ref> by [[Jacob Breuer]] based on Drachman's translation. The latest translation to English was prepared by Karin Paritzky and revised by [[Joseph Tawil|Joseph Elias]] (who states that they "benefited greatly from the two earlier editions").<ref name=NineteenElias/><ref>Elias's edition was reviewed and critiqued by Shelomoh Danziger in Jewish Action, Summer 1996 (Volume 56, No. 4), [https://web.archive.org/web/20151226032628/https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/Danziger.pdf p. 20-24], with a dialogue of Elias and Danziger appearing in a following issue of Jewish Action ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170421025713/https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/RS%20Hirsch%20R'Elias%20vs%20R%20Danziger%20JAction.pdf p. 60-66]).</ref> Elias glosses Breuer's edition as "very readable" while panning it as an achievement reached "by the omission or simplification of a good many passages, so that the reader does not obtain the full meaning that the author intended."<ref name=NineteenElias>[https://books.google.com/books?id=REFEQ7JvrgQC The Nineteen Letters] (Second, corrected edition 1996), p. xxvi.</ref>

== Themes in his work ==
Hirsch lived in the post-[[Napoleon]]ic era, an epoch when Jews had been granted civil rights in a large number of European countries, leading to a call for [[Reform Judaism|reform]]. A large segment of his work focuses on the possibilities for [[Orthodox Judaism]] in such an era, when [[freedom of religion]] also meant the freedom to practice [[Torah]] precepts without persecution and ridicule.<ref name=Klugman/>

The principle of "''Austritt''", an independent [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodoxy]], flows naturally from his view on the place of [[Judaism]] in his epoch: If Judaism is to gain from these civil liberties, it has to be able to develop independently — without having to lend implicit or explicit approval to [[reform Judaism|efforts at reformation]].<ref name=Klugman/>

His other major work involves the [[symbol]]ic meaning of many [[Torah]] commandments and passages. Indeed, his work "Horeb" (1837) focuses to a large degree on the possible meanings and symbols in religious precepts. This work was continued in his [[Torah]] commentary and his articles in the Jeschurun journal (''Collected Writings'', vol. III, is a collation of these articles).<ref name=Klugman/>

A final area of his work, which has only recently been re-discovered, was his etymological analysis of the [[Hebrew language]]. Most of this work is contained in his [[Torah]] commentary, where he analyses and compares the ''shorashim'' (three-letter root forms) of a large number of Hebrew words and develops an etymological system of the Hebrew language. This approach is based on the idea that letters that share a phonetic similarity, have similar meaning. For example, the words Zohar (light), Tzohar (translucent window), and Tahor (purity) are related words because the letters Zayin, Tzadie, and Tet are phonetically similar. This is an approach used in many places by the renowned biblical commentator Rashi as well. Although this effort was, in his own words, "totally unscientific", it has led to the recent publication of an "etymological dictionary of the Hebrew language".<ref>{{cite book |author1=Hirsch, Samson Raphael |author2=Matityahu Clark |title=Etymological Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew: Based on the Commentaries of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch |publisher=Feldheim |location=Jerusalem, New York |year=2000 |isbn=1-58330-431-2}}</ref>

Although Hirsch does not mention his influences (apart from traditional Jewish sources), later authors have identified ideas from the [[Kuzari]] ([[Yehuda Halevi]]), [[Nahmanides]], and the [[Maharal of Prague]] in his works. Nevertheless, most of his ideas are original.<ref name=Klugman/>

In a 1995 edition of Hirsch' Nineteen Letters, commentator Rabbi Joseph Elias makes an extensive effort to show Hirsch' sources in [[Rabbinic literature]], parallels in his other works and those of other post-Talmudic Jewish thinkers. Elias also attempts to refute particular interpretations of his philosophy, such as the notion that much of his thinking was rooted in [[Immanuel Kant|Kantian]] secular philosophy.<ref name=Elias>{{cite book |author1=Joseph P. Elias |author2=Hirsch, Samson Raphael |title=The nineteen letters |publisher=Feldheim Publishers |location=Jerusalem |year=1995 |isbn=0-87306-696-0}}</ref>

While the [[Zionism|Zionist]] movement was not founded during his lifetime, it is clear from his responses to Rabbi [[Zvi Hirsch Kalischer]], and in several places in his commentary to the Bible and Siddur, that although he had a deep love for the Land of Israel, he opposed a movement to wrest political independence for the Land of Israel before the Messianic Era.<ref name=Klugman/> In later works, he makes it clear that Jewish sovereignty is dependent only on Divine Providence.<ref name=":1">{{cite book | author=Samson Raphael Hirsch | title=Siddur | publisher=Feldheim | year=1969 | pages=703}}</ref>

== Influence and controversy ==
[[File:Yeshiva Hirsch Bennett Av 186 St jeh.jpg|thumb|[[Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch]], [[Washington Heights, Manhattan|Washington Heights]], founded 1944]]
{{see also|Torah im Derech Eretz#Interpretation}}
There is considerable controversy over Hirsch's legacy; this is a matter of debate amongst three parties: [[Haredi Judaism|Haredi]] (sometimes called Ultra-Orthodox), [[Modern Orthodox Judaism|Modern Orthodox]], and Hirsch's descendants. While it is undisputed that his ''[[Torah im Derech Eretz]]'' was his real innovation, the exact implementation has been greatly debated.

Those on Orthodoxy's right wing hold that Hirsch himself approved of secular studies as a "Horaas Sha'ah", or temporary dispensation, only in order to save Orthodox Jewry of the nineteenth century from the threat posed by assimilation. While a ''[[yeshiva]]'' student in Eastern Europe, Rabbi [[Shimon Schwab]] obtained the opinions of various [[Poskim]] (authorities in Jewish law) to this effect (see Selected Writings, "These and Those", where Schwab himself disagrees).<ref name=TheseAndThose>{{cite book |last1=Schwab |first1=Shimon |title=These and Those |date=1966 |publisher=Feldheim |location=New York, NY |pages=47 |url=https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/these_and_those.pdf}}</ref>

At the other end of the Orthodox continuum, some Modern Orthodox Jews understand Hirsch in the sense of [[Torah Umadda]], meaning a synthesis of Torah knowledge and secular knowledge - each for its own sake (this view is propagated in several articles in ''Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Thought'', published by the Rabbinical Council of America). In this view, Hirsch thought that it was permissible, and even productive, for Jews to learn Gentile philosophy, music, art, literature, and ethics for their own sake.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

In contrast, a third, middle opinion is proposed.
It is held by Hirsch's son-in-law and successor Rabbi [[Solomon Breuer]], his grandson Rabbi [[Joseph Breuer]], the latter's successor Rabbi Shimon Schwab, his great-grandson Professor [[Mordechai Breuer (historian)]], Rabbi [[Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg]], Rabbi Joseph Elias in his commentary to ''The Nineteen Letters'',<ref name=Elias/> and some Jewish historians {{who|date=April 2022}} that both of these understandings of Hirsch's philosophy are misguided, and improper [[historical revisionism]].
* In response to the "temporary dispensation" theory: Hirsch in ''Collected Writings'' continually stresses the philosophical and religious imperative of ''Torah im Derech Eretz'' for all times. Hirsch himself directly addressed this contention: "''Torah im Derech Eretz'' ... is not part of troubled, time bound notions; it represents the ancient, traditional wisdom of our sages that has stood the test everywhere and at all times."<ref>(Gesammelte Schriften vi p.&nbsp;221)</ref> 
* In response to the "[[Torah Umadda]]" theory: Hirschian philosophy demands the domination of Torah over secular knowledge, not a separate synthesis. On this basis, then, many adherents of Hirsch's philosophy have preferred the natural sciences over the humanities as a subject of secular study, seemingly because they are easier to judge through the prism of Torah thought than the more abstract humanities.<ref>See Ch 31 in [[Yehuda (Leo) Levi|Yehuda Levi]] (1988). ''Mul Ethgarei HaTekufah''. [http://www.sinaibooks.com Sinai Publishers]</ref>

== Bibliography ==
*''The Nineteen Letters'', Prepared by Jacob Breuer in a new edition based on the translation by Rabbi Dr. Bernard Drachman. Feldheim, 1960.
*''The Nineteen Letters'', Newly translated by Karin Paritzky; revised and with a comprehensive commentary by Joseph Elias. Feldheim Publishers. Second, corrected edition 1996. {{ISBN|0-87306-696-0}}.
*''Horeb: A Philosophy of Jewish Laws and Observances'', Translated from the German original with Introduction and Annotations by Dayan Dr. I. Grunfeld. Soncino Press, 1962. Volume [https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh/horebaphilosophy027897mbp.pdf I] & II. {{ISBN|0-900689-40-4}}.
*''The Pentateuch - with Translation and Commentary'', Judaica Press, 1962. {{ISBN|0-910818-12-6}}. Reissued in a new translation by Daniel Haberman as ''The Hirsch Chumash'', Feldheim/Judaica Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-59826-260-5}}.
*''The Hirsch Siddur''. Philipp Feldheim, 1978. {{ISBN|0-87306-142-X}}.
*''Collected Writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch''. Philipp Feldheim, 1984–2012 (9 volumes). {{ISBN|0-87306-786-X}}.
*''The Psalms - with Translation and Commentary''. Philipp Feldheim, 1960. Revised edition published 2014. {{ISBN|978-1-59826-045-8}}.
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=BnpBAAAAYAAJ The Jewish Sabbath], Translated by Ben Josephussoro. Mullock and Sons, 1911.
*''Jewish Symbolism- The Collected Writings Volume III''. Philipp Feldheim, 1984. {{ISBN|0-87306-718-5}}.
*''Timeless Torah : an anthology of the writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch.'' Edited by Jacob Breuer. Philipp Feldheim, 1957.

== See also ==
* [[Orthodox Judaism]]
* [[Isaac Breuer]]
* [[Joseph Breuer]]
* [[Mordechai Breuer]]
* [[Salomon Breuer]]
* [[Kaufmann Kohler]], a student of Hirsch
* [[Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch]], New York City
* [[Torah Lehranstalt]]
* [[Moses Samuel Zuckermandl]], a student of Hirsch

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{commons category}}
*{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Hirsch, Samson Raphael |volume= 13 |last= Abrahams |first= Israel |author-link= Israel Abrahams | page = 525 |short= 1}}
* [http://sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/judaica/search/quick?query=Hirsch%2C+Samson+Raphael Works by and about Samson Raphael Hirsch in University Library JCS Frankfurt am Main: Digital Collections Judaica]
* [http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/363_Transp/Orthodoxy/SRHirsch.html Religion Allied to Progress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227214910/http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/363_Transp/Orthodoxy/SRHirsch.html |date=2008-02-27 }} in Collected Writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch {{ISBN|0-87306-786-X}}
* [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=773&letter=H Hirsch, Samson Raphael], jewishencyclopedia.com
* [http://jewishhistorylectures.org/2012/03/01/rabbi-samson-raphael-hirsch-architect-of-modernity// Video Lecture on Samson Raphael Hirsch] by [[Henry Abramson|Dr. Henry Abramson]] of [[Touro College South]]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20050918222757/http://www.tzemachdovid.org/gedolim/breuer.gif Hirsch / Breuer genealogy]}} (GIF file)
* [[Natan Slifkin]], [http://www.rationalistjudaism.com/2013/12/rav-hirsch-hero-or-heretic.html Rav Hirsch: Hero or Heretic?]
* [http://www.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/rsrh A variety of articles and resources], including two biographies of Rabbi Hirsch and other materials.
* [http://www.marbitz.com/rabbi-hirsch/ A catalogue of print and online resources focusing on the teachings of Rabbi Hirsch.]
* {{LBI Collection Links|pid=3848662|title=''Jeschurun''|partner=Leo Baeck Institute, New York |callNumber=B138| type=Digitized Library Periodical}}
* [https://hakirah.org/Vol22Kashkin.pdf Austritt—A Tale of Two Cities], Yisrael Kashkin, Hakirah
* [https://hakirah.org/Vol18Kashkin.pdf Rereading Rav Hirsch on Mitzvos and Gender], Yisrael Kashkin, Hakirah
* [https://search.cjh.org/primo-explore/search?query=creator,contains,Samson%20Raphael%20Hirsch,AND&tab=default_tab&search_scope=LBI&vid=lbi&facet=tlevel,include,online_resources&facet=creator,include,Hirsch,%20S&mode=advanced&offset=0 Digitized works by Samson Raphael Hirsch] at the [[Leo Baeck Institute, New York]]
* [http://www.tidesociety.blogspot.com The Torah Im Derech Eretz Society]
{{Acharonim}}{{Authority control}}

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