Mitchell Fisher

Mitchell Salem Fisher (1903 or 1904 – March 19, 1990) was an American rabbi who resigned from his active rabbinic position in 1930 because of what he described as "institutional restraint" and a separation between preachers and issues in the world. After his resignation, Fisher became a lawyer with a specialization in marriage law. He worked for the Anti-Nazi League in opposition to the German American Bund, served as counsel to the New York Board of Rabbis, and played a significant role in the development of family law in New York.

Early life and education Mitchell Salem Fisher was born in 1903 or 1904. He graduated with a B.A. from New York University in 1923, and received an M.A. from Columbia University in 1927, as well as a PhD in 1930. He additionally attended the Jewish Institute of Religion, from which he received the John Palmer Prize in 1926 and was ordained as a rabbi in 1927.

Career

As a rabbi

Preachers enunciate ideals, but these must remain so indefinite, so unpointed, so unchallenging, so completely removed from the real issues of everyday living and struggling, that these ideals become patently and utterly vain. The rabbi becomes an exalted lecturer, entertainer and institution promotion agent. — Mitchell Salem Fisher — in his letter of resignation from the rabbinate In 1928 he became acting rabbi at Rodeph Shalom, and in 1930 supervised the congregation's move into a new synagogue building. one month after the 1930 move, Fisher resigned, citing a desire to speak strongly about issues "without immediate institutional restraint". In his letter of resignation, he criticized the position of rabbi as "an exalted lecturer, entertainer and institution promotion agent". He additionally served as counsel to the New York Board of Rabbis. One poem from the book, titled "Prayer for a Disturbed Sabbath", was adapted and used in the Mishkan T'filah.

Later life and death Fisher died on March 19, 1990, at the Home for the Jewish Aging in Ewing, New Jersey. He was 86 years old when he died, with three living children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.