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Rabbi Joshua Loth Liebman Papers

 Collection
Identifier: P-636

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains multiple radio addresses and speeches made by Rabbi Liebman on a variety of topics between 1940 and 1947. His topics included Zionism, Judaism, Dr. Chaim Weitzman, Rabbi Stephen Wise, United States Supreme Court Justices Louis Brandeis and Benjamin Cardozo, as well as matters relating to the positive impact of religion on mind and spirit. The papers are in good condition, and many have draft formats included.

Dates

  • 1940-1947

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Biographical Note

Joshua Loth Liebman was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 7, 1907, to Simon and Sabina (Loth) Liebman. After earning his A.B. from the University of Cincinnati in 1926, Liebman studied at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, and was ordained as a Rabbi in 1930. A scholar and committed Zionist, Rabbi Liebman was also the author of Peace of Mind (1946) as well as a radio commentator on Jewish issues.

In 1939, Rabbi Liebman became the Rabbi of Temple Israel in Boston, and quickly reformed the synagogue's operations. There were no more Sunday services, and Friday night services and Bar Mitzvahs were reinstated. Hebrew was also introduced into services. Rabbi Liebman's focus was on bringing the Jewish people together around Judaism, especially important during the events of World War II.

In addition to Peace of Mind, Rabbi Liebman was also the author of The Religious Philosophy of Aaron Ben Elijah (1939), Hod and the World Crisis- Can we Still Believe in Providence (1941), and Teleology and Attributes in the Philosophy of Maimonides from the Hebrew (1943). He was also a contributer to various magazines and radio shows.

His sudden death on June 9, 1948 sent shock waves throughout the Jewish community. Numerous tributes and memorials were established in his name, but his contributions to the Reform movement remain his legacy.

References

  1. Who Was Who in America, Volume II (1943-1950). Chicago: The A.N. Marquis Company, 1950.
  2. render="italic">The Jews of Boston

Chronology

1907
JLL born in Hamilton, Ohio on April 7
1926
Graduates from University of Cincinnati (A.B.)
1926-1929
Lecturer in Greek philosophy and Taft Teaching fellow
1928
Marries Fan Loth on July 4
1928-1930
Student at Hebrew Union College in Palestine, Harvard University and Columbia University
1930
Ordained as Rabbi after graduating from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati
1930
Earns Doctorate of Hebrew Letters
1930
Receives Simon Lazarus Prize for highest academic honors and Youngerman prize for outstanding sermon at Hebrew Union College
1930-1934
Simon Traveling Fellowship in Philosophy
1930-1939
National radio preacher on NBC and ABC
1939-1941
Member of Executive Board of Central Conference of American Rabbis
1942-1945
Member of Committee on Army and Navy Religious Activities
1945
Charles W. Eliot lecturer, Jewish Institute of Religion
1946
Samuel Harris lecturer, Bangor Theological Seminary
1947
Receives Distinguished Service Medal of Phi Beta Kappa
1948
Earns honorary Doctorate from Colby College
1948
Dies on June 9

Extent

0.5 linear feet (1 manuscript box)

Abstract

This collection contains speeches and lectures in both draft and final form.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition information is unknown.

Processing Information

Reprocessed by Stephanie Call, 2009.

Title
Guide to the Rabbi Joshua Loth Liebman Papers, P-636
Author
Reprocessed by Stephanie Call
Date
2009
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Sponsor
Processed by Stephanie Call, Schilder Assistant Archivist, made possible by a grant from the Schilder Family Fund. This collection has been digitized, made possible by a grant from the Trustees u/w of Herman Dana.

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245