Isaac Mayer Wise

Isaac Mayer Wise (1819–1900) was a notable American rabbi and a leading figure in the Reform Judaism movement. Born in Germany, he emigrated to the United States in 1846, where he advocated for a modernized approach to Jewish practice. Wise established the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, the first Jewish seminary in the U.S., and helped create the Central Conference of American Rabbis. His efforts focused on adapting Jewish traditions to contemporary life, promoting education, and fostering a sense of community among Jews in America. His legacy significantly shaped American Judaism.