[1][2] It was named for the great mediaeval Jewish philosopher and Torah sage, Maimonides.
The need of such an institution was strongly felt, as there were numerous synagogues in the country, but few persons capable of filling the rabbinical office.
The seminary was established under the joint auspices of the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia and the Board of Delegates of American Israelites; it was opened Oct. 28, 1867, with Isaac Leeser as its provost.
Lawyer and philanthropist Moses A. Dropsie was the first president of the college,[5] followed by Isidore Binswanger.
After an activity extending through six years Maimonides College was closed in December 1873 due to financial difficulties; its closure was a major motivator for the founding of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.