Bernard Friedberg, Austrian scholar and author (b. 1876)

Bernard Friedberg (born Ber Dov Friedberg) was a distinguished Austrian Hebraist, scholar, and bibliographer, whose life and work profoundly impacted the study and preservation of Hebrew literature. Revered for his meticulous research and comprehensive bibliographical compilations, he dedicated his career to cataloging and documenting the vast world of Hebrew printed books, making him an indispensable figure for researchers, collectors, and booksellers of Judaica worldwide.

Early Life and Career Foundations

Born in Kraków, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on December 19, 1876, Friedberg emerged from a vibrant center of Jewish intellectual life and scholarship. Kraków, with its rich history of Hebrew printing and rabbinical academies, undoubtedly shaped his early interests. In 1900, he relocated to Frankfurt am Main, a pivotal European city for Jewish culture and commerce. His professional journey began at the renowned publishing house of Isaac Kauffmann, a prominent German-Jewish publisher and bookseller specializing in ancient and modern Judaica. This experience provided Friedberg with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the Hebrew book trade and scholarly publishing. Capitalizing on this expertise, he later established his own firm, likely focusing on the sale and publication of rare and scholarly Hebrew texts, further solidifying his position within the European Judaica market.

Monumental Contributions to Hebrew Bibliography

Friedberg’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his monumental work, Bet Eked Sefarim (House of Books). First published in 1928, this comprehensive, four-volume bibliographical dictionary meticulously lists and describes Hebrew books printed from the invention of typography up to the early 20th century. Each entry typically includes the title of the book, author, place and year of publication, printer, format, and often additional notes on content or rarity. This unparalleled work became and remains an essential reference tool for anyone involved in the study of Hebrew literature, Jewish history, and the collection of Hebraica, significantly streamlining the research process for scholars globally. Beyond Bet Eked Sefarim, Friedberg also contributed significantly to Jewish genealogy and historical studies, including works like Luḥot Zikkaron (Tables of Remembrance), a detailed biographical lexicon of prominent Jewish figures.

The Profound Impact of the Holocaust

The rise of Nazism and the subsequent Holocaust brought unimaginable devastation to Friedberg’s life, mirroring the broader tragedy inflicted upon European Jewry and its cultural heritage. During this horrific period, his meticulously curated personal library, a priceless collection representing decades of dedication and scholarship, was tragically destroyed. This loss was not merely material; it represented the annihilation of a lifetime’s work and a significant repository of Jewish intellectual history. Even more tragically, his family suffered immense personal losses: his daughter and son were killed, along with his daughter's husband and their two young children. These profound personal and professional losses underscore the immense human cost and the irreparable damage to Jewish culture during the Shoah.

Survival, New Beginnings, and Legacy

In a testament to his resilience, Friedberg managed to escape the horrors of the Holocaust, finding refuge in Vittel, France. Vittel was a specific civilian internment camp for foreign nationals during World War II, a complex and often precarious place for those seeking escape. From there, he eventually made his way to Mandatory Palestine, arriving in what would become the nascent State of Israel. This move allowed him to continue his scholarly pursuits in a new environment, contributing to the burgeoning academic and cultural life of the Jewish homeland. Bernard Friedberg passed away on January 27, 1961, in Israel, leaving behind an indelible mark on Hebrew bibliography and Jewish scholarship. His works, particularly Bet Eked Sefarim, continue to serve as fundamental resources, guiding generations of researchers through the intricate and rich history of Hebrew printed books.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernard Friedberg

Who was Bernard Friedberg?
Bernard Friedberg was a renowned Austrian-born Hebraist, scholar, and bibliographer, best known for his monumental work, Bet Eked Sefarim, a comprehensive bibliography of Hebrew books.
What is Bet Eked Sefarim?
Bet Eked Sefarim is a multi-volume bibliographical dictionary authored by Friedberg, detailing Hebrew books printed from the beginning of typography until the early 20th century. It is a critical reference for scholars, booksellers, and collectors of Judaica.
Where was Bernard Friedberg born?
He was born in Kraków, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on December 19, 1876.
How did the Holocaust impact Bernard Friedberg?
During the Holocaust, his extensive personal library was destroyed, and he suffered immense personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter, son, son-in-law, and two granddaughters.
Where did Bernard Friedberg live after escaping the Holocaust?
After escaping to Vittel, France, he eventually moved to Mandatory Palestine, which later became the State of Israel, where he lived until his passing in 1961.