Yaakov Benzion Mendelson

Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Mendelsohn (Hebrew: יעקב בן ציון הכהן מענדעלסאן‎‎) (October 12, 1875 – August 5, 1941) was a renowned Orthodox communal rabbi, Talmudist, Halachist, rabbinical author and scholar.

Rabbi Mendelson was born Yaakov Ben Zion Morein in 1875, in Kreitzburg, part of the Vitebsk district of what was then Russia, to his parents Menachem (Yiddish: Mendel) and Beila Rochel Morein.

After a rigorous Talmudic education, he received semicha ordination from the Rogatchover Gaon, one of the rabbinic greats of the time. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Russian Army. The army was very harsh for Jewish soldiers, and commanders were well known for trying to break the Jews of their religion. Morein deserted.

After escaping Russia, he had several close calls evading Russian agents throughout Europe. He changed his surname to Mendelson ("Mendel's son,"), to make it harder for the government to track him.

Eventually, he emigrated to London, England. At age 22, he found a position as the Rabbi/Dayan of Leeds (and of the ‘Chevras Torah’ shul therein). He sent for his cousin, Feiga, who was betrothed to him. They married in Leeds.

In 1905, he took a new position as rabbi of Gateshead, and later, as rabbi of Glasgow, Scotland. In Glasgow, Mendelson demonstrated his community leadership and concern for its well-being countless times. In two instances, he thwarted cartels controlling certain commercial aspects of ritual, to keep prices stable. (See details in Communal advocacy and disputes.)

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