Speakers

Rabbi Prof. Walter Homolka PhD

He graduated from Ludwig Maximilians Universität in Munich with a Baccalaureus theologiae seu divinitatis degree; he later studied at St. David’s University College Lampeter in Wales, where he was awarded a Master of Philosophy in Jewish Studies. He then undertook further studies at two universities, first at King’s College London, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies in 1992. He also received a Doctor of Humanities degree from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York (2009); then in 2015 he studied at the University of Wales Trinity St. David, where he again received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Jewish Studies. In 2022, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the State Rabbinical School in Budapest (Országos Rabbiképzö – Zsidò Egyetem).

Professor Walter Homolka also has practical experience, having worked as a rabbi for the Jewish community in Munich (Bavaria). He was also appointed Chief Rabbi of Lower Saxony. He is a member of the scientific council of the Eugen Biser Foundation (Eugen Biser Stiftung) in Munich. Professor Walter Homolka also has extensive teaching experience, having served as rector of the Abraham Geiger College in Potsdam for many years (2002-2023).

His commitment to science, interreligious dialogue and intercultural dialogue is widely known, particularly through his work with the Leo Baeck Foundation, of which Rabbi Professor Walter Homolka is the long-standing president, ensuring the continuous expansion of the foundation’s activities and influence by supporting scientific research, organising conferences and publishing academic books in the fields of philosophy, Jewish theology and ecumenism, as well as religious studies, with a particular focus on Judaism. The Leo Baeck Foundation also supports Jewish-Christian dialogue in cooperation with Polish universities, colleges and academic publishers.

Rabbi Professor Walter Homolka has received many awards, including the Commander’s Cross with Star in Austria. In 2018, he was awarded the title of Man of Reconciliation by the Polish Council of Christians and Jews, as well as state honours in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Romania. French President Jacques Chirac admitted him to the Legion of Honour.