Tzvi Ashkenazi

Tzvi Hirsch ben Yaakov Ashkenazi (; 1656 – 2 May 1718), known as the Chacham Tzvi after his responsa by the same title, served for some time as rabbi of Amsterdam. He was a resolute opponent of the followers of the self-proclaimed messiah, Sabbatai Zevi. He had a chequered career owing to his independence of character. He visited many lands, including England, where he wielded much influence. His responsa are held in high esteem. Early life and education Ashkenazi was born in 1656 in Moravia, most likely in Gross Meseritsch where his father Jacob Wilner was active. He was descended from a well-known family of scholars, a grandson of Ephraim ha-Kohen who in turn was the son-in-law of a grandchild of Elijah Ba'al Shem of Chelm. He spent most his childhood in Alt-Ofen (now Budapest) where his grandfather served as rabbi. Tutored by his father and grandfather, he later went to Salonica where he attended the school of Eliyahu Kovo and devoted himself to an investigation of the Sephardic methods of study. He also witnessed the impact of the Sabbatai Zevi movement on the community, an experience which significantly influenced his career. Upon his return journey he seems to have stayed some time (probably till 1679) at Constantinople where his learning and astuteness made such an impression he became known by the Sephardic title for rabbi, "Chacham", an honorific he retained throughout his life. Shortly after his return to Alt-Ofen he married into a prominent and wealthy local family. Germany In 1686 Alt-Ofen was invaded by the Austrian army, and Ashkenazi's young wife and his daughter were killed by a cannon-shot. He fled, becoming separated from his parents (who were taken captive by the Prussians), and proceeded to Sarajevo, where he received an appointment as rabbi. He remained in that city until 1689, in which year he resigned (probably on account of some contention with certain members of his congregation), and left for Germany. In Berlin he married Sarah (died at Lemberg 23 January 1719), the daughter of Meshullam Zalman Mirels Neumark, chief rabbi of Altona, Hamburg, and Wandsbek. On the advice of his father-in-law he went in 1690 to Altona, where the leading members of the congregation founded a study-house (Klaus) and installed Ashkenazi as rabbi.