Leo Pfeffer

Leo Pfeffer (December 25, 1910 in Austria-Hungary — June 4, 1993 in Goshen, New York) was an American Jewish lawyer, constitutional scholar, and humanist who was active in movement for religious freedom in the United States, and was one of leading legal proponents of the separation of church and state.

Pfeffer was born in Austria-Hungary and in 1912 emigrated to United States with his parents and siblings. After finishing his school, he studied at the City College of New York and after graduation continued in 1930-1933 at the New York University School of Law.

He was raised a Conservative Jew and attended religious services, yet later quipped (in a speech made before Freedom From Religion Foundation) that "the Orthodox consider me to be the worst enemy they've had - since Haman in the Purim story!"

After admission to the Bar Pfeffer had a general law practice in Manhattan from 1933 to 1945. Between 1945 and 1964 he was Legal Adviser of the American Jewish Congress (AJC). In the latter capacity he was known for his adherence to ideas of secular humanism, which he elaborated in number of publications. In addition he was also 1954-1958 lecturer at the New School for Social Research in New York City. Pfeffer became the director of AJC's Commission on Law and Social Action in 1957.

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