Signature of S. (Samuel) Apolant

Signature of S. (Samuel) Apolant

Apolant, S. (Samuel), 1823-1902

This is the signature of Samuel Apolant (1823-1902), a German rabbi and teacher. Born to innkeeper Lewin Apolant and Miriam Perl, Samuel grew up in Deutsch-Krone, West Prussia. He received a Talmudic education there, and moved to Berlin at seventeen to pursue humanistic studies. He took courses in philosophy, pedagogy, and Jewish studies at Humboldt University of Berlin, and received his PhD from the University of Halle.

Samuel Apolant became the first academically trained rabbi of Potsdam, Germany, where he and his wife Rachel Chronegk (1827-1900) were considered full German citizens. He advocated for liberal Judaism, and introduced reforms in Jewish education and worship, including common religious education for boys and girls.

In 1858, Apolant returned to Berlin as rabbi of the Meyerbeer Synagogue, but also continued to teach at several local gymnasia (high schools).

His signature here reads "Dr. Apolant." His bookplate can also be found in the Brisman Collection.

Apolant, S. (Samuel), 1823-1902

Digital Image: Washington University in Saint Louis

Signature

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