Glueck, Nelson, 1900-1971

Archaeologist, rabbi, and president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Nelson Glueck was born in Cincinnati on June 4, 1900. He entered Hebrew Union College in 1914 to study for the rabbinate. While at Hebrew Union College, Glueck simultaneously attended the University of Cincinnati where he obtained a B.A. degree in 1920. In 1923, he was ordained a rabbi. Glueck continued his studies in Europe at the University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, and the University of Jena where, in 1927, he received a Ph.D. in Biblical studies. Glueck returned to Cincinnati to join the faculty of Hebrew Union College in 1928, and by 1934, was promoted to full professor of Bible and Biblical Archaeology, a position he held until his death. He also was associated with the American School of Oriental Research and served as director of its Jerusalem school from 1932-1933, 1936-1940, and 1942-1947. In the 1930's and 40's, Glueck gained an international reputation for his archaeological work in Palestine and Trans-Jordan. He completed extensive surface and excavative surveys of the area, and made many important archaeological discoveries. In 1947, Glueck was named president of Hebrew Union College. Under his leadership, HUC saw a period of unprecedented growth including a merger with the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, and the establishment of branch campuses in Los Angeles and Jerusalem. Glueck was married to Dr. Helen Iglauer Glueck, and they had one son, Charles. Glueck died on February 12, 1971 in Cincinnati.