Christian David Ginsburg’s Journey from Warsaw to England’s Ivory Tower

Born to a Jewish family in Warsaw, David Ginsburg (1831–1914) was baptized as a teenager, adding “Christian” to the beginning of his name. Unlike many Jews who joined the church in the 19th century, Ginsburg appears to have converted out of conviction. He relocated to England, where he became one of the world’s foremost experts on ancient Judaism, influencing not just other scholars but also such figures as the novelist George Eliot. He achieved social as well as academic success, counting Prime Minister William Gladstone among his friends. J.J. Kimche delves into Ginsburg’s highly unusual life story, and explains its significance, in this conversation with Nachi Weinstein. (Audio, 69 minutes.)