Paul Mendes-Flohr, a distinguished scholar in modern Jewish thought and intellectual history, passed away on October 24 at the age of 83. Mendes-Flohr was a professor emeritus at the University of Chicago's Divinity School, where he made significant contributions to the study of 19th- and 20th-century Jewish thinkers. His work on Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig is particularly notable.
Ben Sax, a former student and collaborator with Mendes-Flohr, remarked, “I think his reading and writing transformed the field in a way we will be unpacking for another generation.” Colleagues remembered him for his warm relationships with students and his advocacy for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Born Paul Flohr in New York in 1941, he was influenced by his upbringing as the child of Jewish immigrant socialists. He earned degrees from Brooklyn College and Brandeis University. After marrying artist Rita Mendes in 1970, he adopted her last name.
Mendes-Flohr taught at various universities before joining Hebrew University in Israel as director of the Franz Rosenzweig Center for German-Jewish Literature and Cultural History. In 2000, he joined the University of Chicago until retiring in 2018.
His scholarly approach was marked by dialogue, which Assoc. Prof. Na’ama Rokem described: “The idea of dialogue marked Paul’s approach as a scholar.” This method inspired many scholars across disciplines.
Among his works is "The Jew in the Modern World," first published in 1980, widely used in introductory courses globally. Other notable publications include "A Land of Two Peoples" (1983) and "Martin Buber: A Life of Faith and Dissent" (2019).
Leora Auslander noted that Mendes-Flohr's research focused on engaging with German Jewish writers whom he respected deeply: “His whole being was suffused with an effort to genuinely engage with everyone he encountered.”
James T. Robinson praised Mendes-Flohr’s dedication to students: “Paul’s generosity was legendary... He will be missed by many.” His influence extended beyond academia; friends recalled how each person who met him received genuine attention.
Rokem highlighted his commitment to dialogue: “Paul really embodied the idea that when you encounter someone else, you have a responsibility to be in dialogue with them.”
Mendes-Flohr received numerous accolades including membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is survived by his wife Rita, their children Inbal and Itamar, and grandchildren Eden, Enosh, Tuval, and Avigail.