Moritz Lazarus, a prominent intellectual of the 19th century, played an important role in shaping liberal Jewish thought. His ideas on societal integration and individual freedom were groundbreaking for his time. Lazarus advocated for a society where individuals could flourish through their participation and contribution, rather than being defined by race or religion. His concept of ‘Volksgeist’ emphasized the dynamic nature of collective identity, viewing it as a product of human interaction and culture.
The LBI spoke with Dr. Mathias Berek, a cultural historian at the Centre for Antisemitism Research, TU Berlin, about Lazarus’s contributions to philosophy, psychology, and Jewish studies. Berek highlights Lazarus’s influence on notable figures such as Georg Simmel and Franz Boas, and discusses how his ideas remain relevant today, particularly in the context of multiculturalism and social cohesion.
To read the full article (in German), please visit https://fuf-leobaeck.de/2025/03/moritz-lazarus-leitphilosoph-des-liberalen-judentums/
This piece is part of the series ‘Engagement & Democracy in Jewish-German History’.
Image: Moritz Lazarus and Nahida Ruth Lazarus-Remy ca. 1895. Photo: Wiki.
