About
Prof. Dr. Elisa Klapheck (born 1962 in Düsseldorf) is Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Paderborn, Faculty of Cultural Studies, where she teaches in the Seminar for Jewish Studies. She is also a rabbi of the liberal synagogue community 'Egalitärer Minjan' in the Jewish Community of Frankfurt am Main. Previously, she served as rabbi in Amsterdam (community 'Beit Ha'Chidush') until 2009. Before her rabbinic ordination in 2004, she worked as a journalist and press spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Berlin.
Dr. Klapheck's research interests focus on the intersection of religion and politics, particularly the justification of democracy from Jewish sources. She explores Jewish religious identity in Germany and Europe, Jewish economic and social ethics, pluralistic scriptural understanding, and gender issues within Judaism. She has been a pioneer in Jewish feminism, having initiated 'Bet Debora' in 1999 - the first conference of European female rabbis, cantors, and rabbinically learned Jewish women and men, with follow-up conferences in various European cities.
Her scholarly work shows a consistent engagement with Jewish thought in contemporary contexts. She frequently examines how traditional Jewish texts like the Talmud and Torah can inform modern ethical, economic, and political questions. Her publications often bridge Jewish tradition with contemporary social issues, particularly focusing on gender equality, economic justice, and interfaith dialogue. She has made significant contributions to the study of Margarete Susman and Regina Jonas, the first female rabbi.
As an active public intellectual, Klapheck regularly contributes to the Jüdische Allgemeine with commentary on current events through a Jewish ethical lens, addressing topics ranging from financial crises to social justice issues.
Her academic leadership includes founding the 'Machloket / Streitschrift' publication series and editing several journals including 'Bet Debora' and 'Injanim / Kerthemen.' She has also authored several monographs, including 'Margarete Susman und ihr jüdischer Beitrag zur politischen Philosophie' (2014) and 'Wie ich Rabbinerin wurde' (2012).
