Leopold Rosenak Collection

Series I of the collection pertains to Rabbi Leopold Rosenak's work as a field chaplain during World War I in Kaunas (Kowno) in Lithuania. It contains manuscripts by Rosenak including a report on his work as field chaplain in 1915, private and official correspondence (letters, cables) with individuals and institutions such as "Ausschuss fuer fahrbare Kriegsbuechereien an der Front", Leo Baeck, "Hilfsverein der deutschen Juden", "Kriegsministerium" (Prussian War Office), "Kaiserlich Tuerkisches Generalkonsulat zu Bremen" (Turkish Consulate in Bremen), and Erich Ludendorff. The correspondence documents in particular his activities for the native Jewish population in Lithuania in particular regarding food supplies and education, his service as a field chaplain, and his efforts to support and supply libraries for Prussian soldiers. The series contains, furthermore, various certificates of L. Rosenak, a typescript by L. Hoppe, Protestant field chaplain, titled "Ein Ostermorgen im Grossen Hauptquartier" (typescript, 3 pp.), and flyers in German and Yiddish inviting to services of L. Rosenak in Lida.

Series II consists of materials pertaining Rosenak's efforts to fight anti-Semitism in the early 1920s. It includes letters by Erich Ludendorff and Paul v. Hindenburg to Rosenak, a typescript by an unidentified person titled "Hindenburg und die Juden. Eine Erinnerung an Leopold Rosenak" (2 pp.), and newspaper articles by Rosenak and others about anti-Semitism. The series also holds printed materials about girl trafficking by Rosenak and others.

Series III contains materials pertaining to L. Rosenak's death and its anniversaries, including a commemorative speech by Dr. Elb, member of the "Fraternitas Lodge" titled "Kaempfer, Mensch, Jude" (typescript, 3 pp.), letters of condolence by the "Israelitische Gemeinde Bremen" and others, obituaries from various newspaper and death notices, materials pertaining to L. Rosenak and his family including a letter by chief rabbi Joseph Carlebach about Rosenak and his charitable work from 1930, and correspondence pertaining to L. Rosenak's papers and their donation to the Leo Baeck Institute.