Rabbi David Hartman was a prominent Jewish thinker and educator, known for his contributions to modern Jewish philosophy. Born in 1931 in the United States, he later moved to Israel, where he founded the Shalom Hartman Institute in 1976. His work focused on bridging traditional Jewish texts with contemporary issues, emphasizing the importance of dialogue within the Jewish community. Hartman was also an influential author, writing several books that explored themes of faith, ethics, and the relationship between Judaism and modernity. He was a strong advocate for pluralism and encouraged open discussions among different Jewish denominations, fostering a more inclusive approach to Jewish identity and practice.