Joseph Klausner

Joseph Klausner (1874-1958) was a brilliant Jewish scholar born in Lithuania who emigrated to the British Mandate of Palestine, and died in Israel.

Related Topics:
Lithuania - British Mandate of Palestine - Israel

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Although not an orthodox Jew (but a Sabbath and Kashruth observer) his grasp of the Talmud, and Midrashic literature was remarkable. He earned his Ph.D. in Germany and wrote a book about Jesus of Nazareth, which was so informative that Herbert Danby, an Anglican priest, translated the work from Hebrew into English so that English scholars might avail themselves of the information contained within this book. A number of clergymen were so incensed at Danby for translating this controversial work that they demanded his recall from Jerusalem. Klausner always insisted that Jesus was best understood as an unconventional Jew and Israelite. Klausner took over the editorship of HaMeassef, by Ahad Ha'am and was also a candidate for the presidency of the state of Israel.

Related Topics:
Talmud - Ph.D. - Jesus - Herbert Danby - Ahad Ha'am - Israel

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He was an ardent zionist, but had numerous disagreements with Weitzman. His house in Talpiot was virtually destroyed in the 1929 Arab riots.

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He taught at the Hebrew University, having first received a chair in modern Hebrew literature. Ultimately he was given the chair in Jewish History of which he had yearned since his initial appointment. In recognition of his scholarly achievements, the State of Israel issued a stamp with his picture on it.

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