Ezekiel Katzenellenbogen

Born in Lithuania, Ezekiel Katzenellenbogen was descended from a well-known scholarly family with branches throughout Europe. He first served as rabbi of Kėdainai, Lithuania, and was subsequently appointed as rabbi of the three communities of Hamburg, Altona, and Wandsbeck, a position he retained until his death—he resided in Altona during this period. His relations with Jacob Emden, who also lived in the city, were very strained, and the latter described him in a highly disparaging manner. A collection of Katzenellenbogen’s responsa were published in 1732. His other works include homilies on the Pentateuch, talmudic novellae (not extant), a collection of prayers and rituals to be recited on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, and an ethical will.