On this day in 1781, the world bid farewell to Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, a Christian German author, playwright, critic, and philosopher, as well as dear friend to the renowned Jewish-German rabbi Moses Mendelssohn.
Lessing’s close relationship with Mendelssohn sparked his interest in prevailing religious debates of the period. In his philosophical writings, Lessing criticized literal interpretation of scripture as well as the historicity of Christian revelation but his works were subsequently censored.
In response, Lessing drafted his most renowned work, Nathan the Wise, a play featuring a Jewish merchant, an enlightened Muslim sultan, and Knight Templar, who—together—illustrate the import of religious tolerance. Mendelssohn is considered the inspiration for the character of Nathan in the play.
Lessing’s life and work, which advanced the cause of religious tolerance, specifically for Jews, demonstrated the developing significance of Jewish engagement with the non-Jewish community. By embracing both the Jewish and secular worlds, Mendelssohn forged bonds with cultural icons, like Lessing, as well as government officials that ultimately benefited the entire Jewish community. His approach remains the paradigm for Jews in the Diaspora to advance the needs of the Jewish people.
— Rabbi Josh Knobel