"All His Intentions Were for the Sake of Heaven": 10 Facts About "The Known in Judah"

On Wednesday evening and Thursday until sunset, the 17th of Iyar, marks the 228th anniversary of the passing of "The Known in Judah," Rabbi Yechezkel Segal HaLevi Landau. Here are 10 facts about his great character:

1. Rabbi Yechezkel Segal HaLevi Landau, of blessed memory, was one of the greatest halachic authorities and the rabbi of Prague. He is known by the nickname "The Known in Judah" after his most famous book. He also authored the following books: "Tziyon Lenefesh Chaya," "Ahavat Tziyon," "Dagul Meravavah," "Doresh Letziyon," "Mareh Yechezkel," "Laws of Marriage According to the Religion of Moses and the Talmud" (written in German) at the request of Emperor Joseph II, "Derush Nitzachon," and "Derush Hesped."

2. He was born in Apt to Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, one of the community's leaders and a member of the Council of Four Lands. He was a descendant of Rashi and Rabbi Yochanan HaSandlar.

3. He served as the rabbi of Prague. His concern for the Jews of Prague can be learned from the following story: During the "Seven Years' War," which placed the city under siege by the Prussian army, just after the beginning of his tenure, he was given the opportunity to flee the city. However, he chose to remain with his congregation and strengthen them during difficult times.

4. He issued a ban against anyone cooperating with the Prussian army, and when the war ended, Empress Maria Theresa thanked him before the city's dignitaries.

5. When Emperor Joseph II ascended to the throne, he ordered the conscription of Jews into his army. Before the Jewish youths embarked for military service, Rabbi Yechezkel spoke to them in German, encouraging them to observe the commandments even in the army. His speeches left a great impression even on the non-Jewish soldiers.

His Grave in the Cemetery in Prague

6. He engaged frequently in fasts and self-denial. For example, from the beginning of the month of Elul until Yom Kippur, he would fast all week and eat only on Shabbat. During the Nine Days, when mourning for the destruction of the Temple takes place, he would eat only dry bread.

7. He enacted ordinances against luxurious lifestyles intended to imitate the Gentiles, saying: "Why should we imitate the nations? It is fitting for them to rejoice because they sit peacefully and quietly, each nation in its land and homeland, but we, a poor people in exile, what joy is there for us to have?"

8. He was one of the great Lithuanian rabbis, known for his opposition to Chassidism. However, the great Chassidic masters admired him. Rabbi Chaim of Sanz testified about him that "Yechezkel saw the 'Chariot,'" and further said: "If Rabbi Yechezkel Landau were alive among us today, I would lay beneath his table, for all his intentions were only for the sake of Heaven, and he was wondrous in his holiness and righteousness." Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi also wrote about him that he was "unique in his generation in his teachings, and Hashem was with him, aiming precisely at the target in all matters which he taught."

9. He was a leading opponent of the Haskalah movement and the false messiah Shabtai Tzvi.

10. He passed away on the 17th of Iyar 5553 (1793) and was buried in the cemetery in Prague. According to his will, eulogies were not excessive, and only a simple stone was laid on his grave.

May his memory be blessed, and may his merit protect us.