Erich Fromm und Das Freie Jüdische Lehrhaus in Frankfurt

This article examines Erich Fromm (1900-1980) within the context of so-called “renaissance Jewish religious thought” in Germany during early 20th century. It is well known that was a member Institute for Social Research, later called Frankfurt School. The focus this study, however, on what has received little attention research, namely Fromm’s involvement founding Freies jüdisches Lehrhaus (the House Free Study) Frankfurt. participated as student and lecturer. During time, also wrote his dissertation Judaism at Heidelberg University. Methodologically, paper intertwines historical-biographical axis, which deals with connections to several thinkers: Rabbi Nehemia Nobel, Georg Salzberger, Baruch Salman Rabinkow, Franz Rosenzweig, Ernest Simon others, philosophical focuses dissertation, Law. primarily associated Rosenzweig other thinkers who worked there, such Gershom Scholem, Simon, Leo Löwenthal Martin Buber, Ich und Du years he taught there. With exception their first official teaching venue. characterized by its dialogical atmosphere, symmetrical relationships between teachers students, softened some rigidity norm German educational frameworks time. atmosphere continued influence adult life, terms attitude towards religion, questioning authority understanding human nature. Finally, it played role departure from Freudian libido theory. study presents key ideas including position dogma, particularly concerning Karaite sect, subject lecturer Lehrhaus. expresses preoccupation identity examination complex theopolitical reality Jews found themselves beginning century, debates Orthodox reformers, Zionists anti-Zionists. supports claim factors play central historical process, held throughout formed these years. strengthens scholarly background relevant thought general.