Herbert Danby
Herbert Danby (1889–1953) was an influential Anglican priest and a pioneering scholar in the field of Jewish studies. He is best known for his translations of essential Jewish texts, particularly from Hebrew into English, which have made significant contributions to the understanding and accessibility of Jewish religious writings for non-Hebrew speakers. Danby's translation of the Mishnah, completed in 1933, was the first complete English translation of this foundational Jewish legal text and has been widely used in academic and religious studies.
Educated at Oxford, Danby served as an Anglican minister before focusing on academic pursuits. His interest in Jewish studies was part of a broader trend among Christian scholars in the early 20th century who sought a deeper understanding of the roots of Christianity through the study of Jewish texts. Danby’s work was pioneering in that it helped bridge the gap between Jewish and Christian scholarly communities, promoting a better understanding and respect for Jewish tradition within Christian circles.
Throughout his career, Danby held various academic positions, including serving as the Librarian of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s library at Lambeth Palace, and later as a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His other notable translations include the Mishneh Torah by Maimonides and the Tosefta. His contributions to Jewish-Christian dialogue and the study of Jewish texts remain influential, and his translations continue to be respected for their accuracy and clarity.