Levi Herzfeld (27 December 1810 – 11 March 1884) was a German rabbi and historian.

Life

Having chosen a rabbinical career, Herzfeld studied under Chief Rabbi Abraham Bing at Würzburg, and under District Rabbi Samuel Egers at Brunswick. He furthered his Talmudic studies with Rabbis Oettinger, Rosenstein, and Leopold Zunz at the University of Berlin, earning his Ph.D. in 1836. Shortly after, he assisted Rabbi Egers in Brunswick and succeeded him as Landesrabbiner in 1842, a position he held until his death. In 1879, the Duke of Brunswick conferred upon him the title of professor. Herzfeld was known for his scholarly pursuits and advocacy for moderate Reform within Judaism. He co-convened the first Rabbinical Convention in Brunswick with Ludwig Philippson, influencing subsequent conventions in Frankfurt and Breslau.

Works

Herzfeld authored several significant works, including:

Life

Having chosen the rabbinical career, he studied under Chief Rabbi Abraham Bing 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 Frankfurt and Breslau, he advocated a moderate Reform, remaining himself a strict observer of the traditions.

Works

Herzfeld's writings include: