Harry Austryn Wolfson ז״ל

Professor Harry Austryn Wolfson ז״ל was the inaugural Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, and he profoundly shaped the academic discourse through his comprehensive studies on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic philosophies.

Born in Austryn, Lithuania, on November 2, 1887, he carried his initial lessons from the Slobodka yeshivah to the United States, where he embarked on a mission to understand and elucidate the intricacies of religious philosophy.

After settling in Scranton, Pennsylvania and working part-time as a Hebrew teacher, Wolfson continued his education at Harvard University. His devotion to scholarship saw him complete a traveling fellowship in Europe and a PhD back at Harvard, ultimately leading to his pioneering role as the first professor of Jewish studies in an American university in 1925. Simultaneously, he taught at the Jewish Institute of Religion from 1923 to 1925. Harry Austryn Wolfson's enduring legacy lies in his extensive contributions to philosophical literature. With over 180 books, articles, and reviews, his work explored the philosophies of notable figures such as Philo Judeas, Hasdai Crescas, Maimonides, Averroes, and Baruch Spinoza. Moreover, he delved into the study of the Kalam, the Church Fathers, and the roots of Western religion. His unique perspective underscored the shared philosophical roots of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, highlighting Hebrew's central role in this intertwined narrative.

Retiring from Harvard in 1958 did not halt Wolfson's intellectual journey; he continued to immerse himself in philosophy. His unyielding dedication to understanding the intricate connections between religious philosophies and his path-breaking work in Jewish studies have been instrumental in shaping the discourse in religious philosophy. He passed away in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 19, 1974, and his final resting place is in New York. His enduring contribution to the field of religious philosophy continues to inspire and guide scholars, underscoring his indelible impact on the world of academia.

[This comprehensive Academia page in memory of Harry Austryn Wolfson ז״ל was established in 2019 and is meticulously curated by Mr. Menachem Butler of Cambridge, MA, serving as a significant resource dedicated to Professor Harry Austryn Wolfson ז״ל. It includes an extensive array of articles and reviews in full PDF format, alongside a meticulously compiled bibliography listing scholarly works about him, with full access to the resources.]