HURWITZ, HYMAN:

By: Joseph Jacobs, Goodman Lipkind

Professor of Hebrew and author; born 1770; died 1844. He was a native of Poland, in which country he acquired great proficiency in Biblical and Talmudical lore. He then went to England, and, making rapid progress with the English language, was soon employed as teacher in a Christian academy, where he studied science and the classics. He gained many friends, who in 1799 assisted him in establishing a seminary for Jewish youth, which was called "The Highgate Academy." In 1806 he produced an "Introduction to Hebrew Grammar," in which his critical and intimate knowledge of Hebrew is shown to advantage. This was followed by a Hebrew grammar in two parts, a third edition of which appeared in 1841. Later he published "Hebrew Tales," a selection from the writings of the ancient sages. This work was translated into various languages; and a later edition was produced at Edinburgh in 1863, nearly twenty years after his death. In 1821 he published "Vindicia Hebraica," a work in which he blended much erudition and elegance of style.

Hurwitz retired from active teaching in 1821. A few years afterward he was elected to the chair of Hebrew in University College, London.

J. G. L.