Andre Neher

André Neher (1914–1988) was a prominent French Jewish philosopher, theologian, and scholar who significantly influenced Jewish thought in the 20th century. Born in Obernai, France, Neher was raised in a family deeply committed to Jewish tradition and culture. He pursued an exceptional academic career, earning degrees in philosophy and literature, and eventually becoming a professor of literature at the University of Strasbourg.

Neher’s work focused on bridging the gap between ancient Jewish tradition and modern existential questions, exploring themes of faith, suffering, and divine presence in contemporary life. His most notable work, L’Exil de la Parole (The Exile of the Word), examines the concept of divine silence, emphasizing the dynamic tension between human questioning and divine transcendence. This book resonated with post-Holocaust Jewish thought, addressing the theological challenges of faith amidst suffering.

As a passionate advocate for Jewish education and renewal, Neher played a key role in the development of postwar Jewish intellectual life in France. He was a leading figure in the Colloque des Intellectuels Juifs de Langue Française, an influential forum for French-speaking Jewish thinkers. His leadership extended beyond academia, as he sought to inspire a generation of Jews to reconnect with their heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Neher’s legacy is marked by his ability to synthesize deep intellectual inquiry with profound spiritual insight, making his work accessible and meaningful to both scholars and lay readers. Alongside his wife, Renée, he fostered a vibrant home life centered on Jewish learning and community.

André Neher remains a towering figure in modern Jewish thought, his writings continuing to inspire those wrestling with the complexities of faith, identity, and the enduring relevance of Jewish tradition in contemporary life.