Samuel Judah Katzenellenbogen

Samuel Judah Katzenellenbogen was the son of the Maharam of Padua, Meir ben Isaac Katzenellenbogen. Samuel distinguished himself at a young age with his scholarship and his oratory, and he later succeeded his father as chief rabbi of Venice. Samuel was highly respected by Jews and non-Jews alike; he was honored by Joseph Karo, Solomon Luria, and Moses Isserles; the converted Jew Paul Weidner dedicated his works to him; and Leone Modena eulogized him at his funeral. He wrote a number of responsa, which were published in various collections, in addition to twelve sermons published by his pupil (erroneously, under the name Judah Mintz). He also contributed to an annotated edition of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah.