Isaac Leeser
Born in Westphalia, Isaac Leeser immigrated to the United States in 1824 and became a pioneering figure in American Judaism and a staunch advocate for religious freedom. He was an author, educator, translator, publisher, founder of the first Jewish Publication Society, editor of America’s first monthly Jewish periodical (The Occident and American Jewish Advocate), and cantor at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia. Leeser was an observant Jew who opposed religious reform, yet sought to unify the American Jewish community. He popularized English-language sermons and created the first complete Hebrew Bible translation for American Jews.