Today in History: The Birth of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, of blessed memory, was born on the 24th of Sivan, 5568, in Hamburg, Germany. His life was marked by the historical struggles faced by Orthodox Judaism against the Enlightened and Reform movements.

Rabbi Hirsch is well-known for his philosophy of "Torah with Derech Eretz." With his deep understanding of German Jewry, he believed in encouraging secular studies beyond Torah learning, so Jews could pursue various professions for their livelihood.

Rabbi Hirsch served as the rabbi of Nikolsburg, and later moved to Frankfurt, where he led the movement to separate the Orthodox community from the wider Jewish community, which was largely Reform. His battles against the Reform and Conservative communities are famous.

Rabbi Hirsch passed away in the year 5649, at the age of eighty. May his merit protect us.