Rav Yechezkel Katzenellenbogen was born in Brisk on the 18th of Kislev in 5428/1668 or 5429/1669 (he writes in his tzava’a that he wasn’t sure exactly which year). His father was Rav Avrohom, Dayan of the city.
In Brisk, Rav Yechezkel learned under Rav Mordechai Ziskind Rottenberg, Rav of the city, and later under his son Rav Moshe Rottenberg. He was already noted in his youth for his sharp mind and amazing memory.
Rav Yechezkel was taken as chosson by Rav Shlomo Zalman, a grandson of the Bach and son-in-law of the Tosfos Yom Tov.
He was Rav in the Lithuanian towns of Zettil, Ruzani, and, in 5464/1704, in Kaidan. In 5473/1713, he was chosen as Rav of the prestigious Kehillos of Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbek, known by the acronym Ah”u.
As a leading Rav and posek, many she’eilos were addressed to him, and these served as the basis of his sefer She’eilos U’Teshuvos Knesses Yechezkel.
As Rav, Rav Yechezkel enacted takanos for the improvement of his various Kehillos. He was not afraid to defend the rights of the side that won in Bais Din, even if this meant fighting against one of the more honored members of the Kehilla.
He also fought against those who wished to make inroads into traditional Yiddishkeit, especially Shabsai Tzvi and his followers.
Rav Yechezkel was held in the highest esteem by many of the other Gedolei HaDor. Both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Rabbonim sent him she’eilos and discussed Torah topics with him.
Much honored by members of his Kehilla, Rav Yechezkel was also given full authority by the government.
He served as Rav of Altona for thiry-six years, until his petira on the 23rd of Tammuz 5509/1749.
Besides Knesses Yechezkel, Rav Yechezkel also wrote Lechem Yechezkel on the Rambam and Mayim Yechezkel on Torah.
His sons were Rav Dovid, who replaced him as Rav in Kaidan, and was the Rebbe of the Vilna Gaon; Rav Yaakov; and Rav Feivel. Another son passed away in childhood.
His sons-in-law were Rav Yaakov HaLevi Schorr, Rav of Krasz; Rav Yitzchok, Rav of Hena; and Rav Nosson Nota Ashkenazi, Dayan in Altona.
Zecher tzaddik livrachah.
