The “forgotten” chief rabbi

Join us for a lecture by Professor Emeritus Dr. Theology at the University of Copenhagen Martin Schwarz Lausten

Schwarz Lausten has written another thorough and indispensable work for Danish Jewish history, this time about Chief Rabbi Max Friediger.

Lausten himself writes:

"The Hungarian-born, German-educated Max Friediger became chief rabbi in Copenhagen coincidentally at the same time as the first organized anti-Semitic association was established in the city (1920). The lecture, which is based on my book "The Chief Rabbi" (Gads Publishing, Oct. 2025), provides an insight into his family life, his dramatic time as a field rabbi during World War I, his lifelong fight against anti-Semitism, his efforts to make Judaism known in Danish and international society, and his view of Zionism and the responsibility he was given in Theresienstadt." 

Shortly before his death, he participated in the first conference between Jewish and Christian theologians (Oxford 1946). The manuscript of his speeches shows his tireless struggle for human rights, the path of tolerance, spiritual community and mutual respect. Friediger had a decisive influence on the position of the Jewish community then and later.”

The lecture is arranged in collaboration between the Society for Danish Jewish History and the Danish Jewish Museum.

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