FERBER, TZVI HIRSCH. Zichronoth. Autograph Memoir in Hebrew of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Ferber (1879-1966)

(ANGLO JUDAICA)

London

Early 20th century

Two volumes. Black and blue inks on paper

Born in Kovno, Ferber studied in Lithuanina yeshivoth before settling in England in 1911. After early teaching positions he was appointed Rabbi of the West End Talmud Torah Synagogue of London where he remained until his retirement in 1954. A witty and eloquent preacher and a prolific and learned writer, his stature was such that he was able to remain independent of official religious organizations, a situation of which he took full advantage. (EJ, VI cols.1226-7. These two extraordinarily personal and revealing unpublished memoirs chronicle his arrival in England, his subsequent ambitions and the various posts held. The narrative contains numerous details of the intrigues, conflicts and scandals spanning nearly fifty years of Ferber’s rabbinical tenure in England, and the trials and tribulations he felt he endured. Included are pointed opinions concerning numerous United Synagogue and Federation Rabbis, members of the London Beth Din, as well as lay leaders of the London and Manchester communities. Of particular interest are his negative opinion of Mizrachi and certain Agudath Israel leaders; praise of Rabbis Brodie, Jung and Schonfeld and details concerning Rabbi Kook’s sojourn in England. Aspects of his personal life and thoughts regarding religious life and the foundation of the State of Israel are also detailed A surprisingly detailed picture of the state of Anglo-Jewish affairs during the first half of the 20th-century.