Aaron Wise facts for kids

Aaron Wise (May 2, 1844 – March 30, 1896) was an important American rabbi. He was a leader in the Jewish community during the late 1800s. He helped start new schools and organizations.

Who Was Aaron Wise?

Aaron Wise was born in 1844 in Eger, Hungary. His father, Joseph Hirsch Weiss, was also a chief rabbi. Aaron Wise grew up to become a respected religious leader himself.

Early Life and Learning

Young Aaron Wise studied at special religious schools in Hungary. One of his teachers was Azriel Hildesheimer. He also went to universities in Leipzig and Halle, Germany. There, he earned a special degree called a doctorate. This showed he was very knowledgeable. For some years, he even directed schools in his hometown.

Moving to America

In 1873, Aaron Wise moved to the United States. He became a rabbi in Brooklyn, New York, in 1874. Two years later, he moved to New York City. There, he became the rabbi of Temple Rodeph Shalom. He served this community until he passed away.

Making a Difference

Aaron Wise wrote a religious school book called Beth Aharon. He also created a prayer-book for his congregation. He worked as an editor for newspapers like the Jewish Herald. He also wrote for other publications.

He was one of the people who helped create the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. This is a very important school for Jewish studies. He was also the first vice-president of its board. Wise also started the Rodeph Shalom Sisterhood. This group helped people in need. They later opened the Aaron Wise Industrial School in his honor.

His Family

Aaron Wise married Sabine Fisher in 1864. They had three daughters and three sons. One of their sons, Stephen Samuel Wise, also became a famous rabbi.