Geffen, Tobias, 1870-1970

Tobias Geffen (1870-1970), rabbi and author, was rabbi of Congregation Shaerith Israel in Atlanta (1911- ).

From the description of Tobias Geffen papers, 1923-1970. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 173863179

Tobias Geffen (1870-1970)

Tobias Geffen was born on August 1, 1870. He was an American Orthodox rabbi. He served as the leader of Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1910 to 1970. Geffen is widely-known for his 1935 decision that certified Coca-Cola as kosher.

Geffen was born in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas (called Kovno at the time, part of the Russian Empire). He immigrated to the United States in 1903 and became rabbi of New York's Congregation Ahavat Zedek in New York City. In 1907, he moved to Canton, Ohio, to become the rabbi of a small synagogue. In 1910, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel until his death.

Geffen organized the first Hebrew school in Atlanta. He began a daily class in Talmud. Geffen also standardized regulation of kosher supervision in the Atlanta area under his central authority. He was the leader of the Southern division of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis. Geffen published eight books of Talmudic and Biblical exegesis.

Geffen died on February 10, 1970.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Geffen

From the guide to the Tobias Geffen, papers, undated, 1884-1985, (American Jewish Historical Society)