Moshe Stern: A Legacy of Semitic and Islamic Scholarship
The academic world remembers Moshe Stern as a dedicated scholar whose intellectual journey spanned continents and languages. From his early upbringing in Hungary to his lifelong tenure at Oxford University, Stern's commitment to the study of Islamic civilization and Semitic languages left an indelible mark on the field of Orientalism.
Early Life and Education in Hungary
Born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Hungary, Stern's early life was marked by both profound loss and a rigorous intellectual foundation. After losing his father at the age of three, his mother took charge of his early education, ensuring he was raised with a strong religious Jewish identity. Remarkably, Stern mastered reading Hebrew before he could read the Latin alphabet.
His formal education continued at a Benedictine school and a gymnasium in Budapest, where he became proficient in Greek and Latin. Driven by an innate curiosity, Stern also began teaching himself Arabic during this period.
The geopolitical climate of the late 1930s forced a sudden change in his trajectory. With the rise of Nazi Germany, Stern's mother sent him to safety in Mandatory Palestine in 1939. Tragically, his mother remained in Hungary and was later killed during the Holocaust.
Academic Formation in Jerusalem
Upon arriving in Palestine, Stern enrolled at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He studied under a distinguished group of scholars, including the Arabist David H. Baneth, Semiticist Hans J. Polotsky, philosopher Leon Roth, Islamic philosophy historian Julius Guttmann, and Romanist Hiram Pflaum-Peri.
It was here that Stern formed a pivotal friendship with Shelomo Dov Goitein, who introduced him to the complexities of medieval Islamic history. His studies were temporarily interrupted by World War II, during which he served with the British censor office in Baghdad and Port Sudan.
During his military service, Stern met the Orientalist Paul Kraus. This encounter introduced him to Isma'ili studies—the study of a specific branch of Shia Islam—which would become a primary focus of his later academic career. Stern eventually completed his university studies in 1947.
The Oxford Years and Academic Contributions
Following his degree, Stern moved to England for postgraduate studies at St. Catherine's College, Oxford University, under the guidance of H. A. R. Gibb. In 1950, he earned his PhD with a thesis on Andalusi strophic poetry (poetry characterized by a recurring stanza structure), a work published posthumously as Hispano-Arabic Strophic Poetry.
Stern chose to spend the remainder of his life at Oxford. Despite receiving prestigious offers from institutions such as Harvard University, he declined all permanent positions outside of Oxford. He shared a home with his close friends, Professor Richard Walzer and his wife Sofie.
His professional contributions were vast and varied. Between 1951 and 1956, he served as the assistant editor for the second edition of the Encyclopaedia of Islam. He later held the role of Assistant Keeper of Oriental Coins at the Ashmolean Museum (1956–1957) and was elected to a Research Fellowship at All Souls College. From 1964 until his passing, he served as a Lecturer in the History of the Islamic Civilization.
Moshe Stern passed away in October 1969 following a severe asthma attack.
Key Facts
- Early Literacy: Learned Hebrew before the Latin alphabet.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and Arabic.
- PhD Focus: Specialized in Andalusi strophic poetry at Oxford University.
- Major Works: Contributed as assistant editor to the Encyclopaedia of Islam.
- Academic Loyalty: Remained at Oxford despite offers from Harvard University.
- Specializations: Isma'ili studies and medieval Islamic history.
Summary of Academic and Professional Milestones
| Period/Year | Institution/Role | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1939–1947 | Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Undergraduate studies in Semitic and Islamic history |
| 1950 | Oxford University | Completed PhD on Andalusi strophic poetry |
| 1951–1956 | Encyclopaedia of Islam | Assistant Editor (Second Edition) |
| 1956–1957 | Ashmolean Museum | Assistant Keeper of Oriental Coins |
| 1964–1969 | Oxford University | Lecturer in the History of the Islamic Civilization |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Moshe Stern conduct the majority of his research?
While he began his higher education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Stern spent the majority of his professional life and research career at Oxford University.
What was the subject of Moshe Stern's PhD thesis?
His PhD focused on Andalusi strophic poetry, which was later published as Hispano-Arabic Strophic Poetry.
Who introduced Stern to Isma'ili studies?
Stern was introduced to Isma'ili studies by the Orientalist Paul Kraus during Stern's service with the British censor office during World War II.
Did Moshe Stern ever teach at other universities?
Although he accepted invitations to lecture at various institutions and received a permanent offer from Harvard University, he refused all permanent positions outside of Oxford.
What roles did he hold at the Ashmolean Museum and All Souls College?
He served as the Assistant Keeper of Oriental Coins at the Ashmolean Museum and was elected to a Research Fellowship at All Souls College.