Menaḥem Mendl Krochmal

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.