Baeck, Leo, 1873-1956

20th century German-Polish-Jewish Rabbi, scholar, and a leader of Progressive Judaism. On 27 Jan. 1943, he was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. He became the "honorary head" of the Council of Elders (Judenrat) in Theresienstadt. As such, he was protected from transports and with his protection list, could also save his relatives from transports, among others his grand-niece Ruth (b. 1925). Moreover, Baeck became "prominent", which meant that he had better accommodation, better food and could receive mail more often. He gave lectures, was active in the interfaith dialogue between the Jews and Christians of Jewish origin, worked in the youth care sector, which he directed from Nov. 1944 on, and was friendly with many of the functionaries. After the liberation, he headed the Council of Elders.

From the description of Leo Baeck statement, undated. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 733569543

Rabbi and instructor at the Universities of Breslau and Berlin; he later became a leader of German Jewry during the Nazi period.

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1949 Jan. 5. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703284269

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1952 Dec. 16. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703451408

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1952. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703450747

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1953 Dec. 9. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703432655

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1953 Nov. 3. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703282916

From the description of Leo Baeck correspondence, 1951. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 724512560

From the description of Leo Baeck speech, 1906 Aug. 11. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703887770

From the description of Leo Baeck statement, 1953. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 703284340

Dr. Rudolf Jaser started this correspondence after he heard Leo Baeck speaking on a BBC London radio program. They met several times during Baeck’s visits to Germany. Ruth Berlak continued the correspondence after Leo Baeck’s death in 1956.

From the guide to the Letters to Rudolf Jaser, 1946-1961, (Leo Baeck Institute Archives)