Responsum: On the Decoration of a Torah Ark

Menaḥem Mendl Krochmal

Before 1661

Question: I was asked by the leaders of the holy congregation of Prostějov: A small piece of paper on which was drawn the image of a menorah, with the verses beginning “May God be gracious to us” from Psalm 67 inscribed between its branches, was affixed to the inside of the doors of the holy Ark. But one individual, who thought the paper drawing…

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Creator Bio

Menaḥem Mendl Krochmal

1600–1661

Menaḥem Mendl Krochmal was born and raised in Kraków, where he became a rabbinic judge and head of a yeshiva. In 1636, Krochmal settled in Moravia. He first served as rabbi of Kremzir (Kroměříž) and in 1646 was appointed rabbi of Prostějov (Prossnitz). He was subsequently chosen to be rabbi of the city of Nikolsburg (Mikulov), a prestigious appointment, and in 1650 he became chief rabbi of Moravia. In this capacity he officiated at synods of Moravian Jewry. He also oversaw a series of ordinances known as Shay takkanot (311 ordinances), measures concerning Moravian Jewish communal organization that remained in place until 1848. Krochmal was the author of numerous responsa, published posthumously by his son. They provide insights into Jewish communal organization, family and marital matters (in particular on agunot, “chained” wives whose husbands would not grant divorces). A biblical commentary is also attributed to him.

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