Philip Birnbaum
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Philip Birnbaum (1904-1988; also Paltiel Birnbaum) was an author and translator, best known for his translation and annotation of the siddur (Prayer Book), first published in 1949.
[edit] Biography
Birnbaum was born in Kielce, Poland and emigrated to the United States in 1923. He received his Ph.d. from Dropsie College.
His works include translations (with annotation and introduction) of the Machzor, the Tanach, a Torah with Haftorot for use in the Synagogue, and the Passover Haggadah. He is also well known for his excerpted translation of Maimonides Mishne Torah; his A book of Jewish concepts was widely referenced.
Until the recent advent of the Artscroll translations, the Birnbaum translations were commonly found in many orthodox synagogues. The value of his work for the popularization of synagogue services for American Jews cannot be overestimated.
On his death, the Hebrew Publishing Company described him as being "the most obscure best-selling author." [1]
[edit] Works
- Daily Prayer Book: Ha-Siddur Ha-Shalem, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1977. ISBN 0884820548
- High Holy Day Prayer Book, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1979. ISBN 0884822400
- Prayer Book for Sabbath and Festivals, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1977. ISBN 0884820548
- The Birnbaum Haggadah, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1976. ISBN 0884829081
- The Concise Jewish Bible, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1977. ISBN 0884824519
- Torah and the Haftarot, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1983. ISBN 0884844560
- Maimonides Mishneh Torah (Yad Hazakah), Hebrew Publishing Company, 1970. ISBN 0884824365
- Encyclopedia of Jewish Concepts, Hebrew Publishing Company, 1979. ISBN 0884829308
