Abraham Dov (Adam) ha-Kohen Lebensohn
Abraham (Avraham) Dov Lebensohn, a Lithuanian maskil and poet also known as Adam ha-Kohen, was born in Vilna, received a traditional Jewish education, but explored the Hebrew language and grammar. He worked as a merchant and as a Jewish legal scholar for several years in small towns, returning to Vilna in 1819, where he taught and worked in commerce. He earned his fame as a poet, often writing poems for commission (including for a visit to Vilna of Moses Montefiore, and in honor of Russian governmental figures). He advocated for enlightened Jewish education and wrote biblical commentaries.
Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator
Primary Source
Lament of the Daughter of Judah
Primary Source
Seeker of Truth
Related Guide
Political Life and Thought, 1750–1880
Jews debated all sides of the major political issues of their day. Some welcomed the idea of equality, whereas others feared the loss of their religious-institutional distinctiveness.