Alexander Altmann

Alexander Altmann was a prominent Orthodox Jewish scholar and rabbi, born in Kassa, Austria-Hungary. His life took a significant turn in 1938 when he emigrated to England, eventually settling in the United States. It was in the US that he established himself as a distinguished academic, spending over a decade and a half as a professor in the Philosophy Department at Brandeis University. During his tenure, Altmann made substantial contributions to the field of Judaism, earning recognition for his expertise in the thought of Moses Mendelssohn.

Altmann's scholarly work had a profound impact on the study of Jewish mysticism, a subject he pioneered in a purely academic setting in the United States. His guidance and supervision played a crucial role in shaping the careers of numerous students, including notable scholars such as Elliot Wolfson, Arthur Green, and Lawrence Fine. Through his research and mentorship, Altmann left an enduring legacy in the field of Jewish studies, cementing his position as a leading authority on Moses Mendelssohn and Jewish mysticism. His work continues to influence scholars in the field, ensuring his contributions remain a vital part of ongoing academic discourse.