Isaac Elijah Landau

Who was Isaac Elijah Landau?

Isaac Elijah ben Samuel Landau was a Jewish-Russian preacher, exegete, and communal worker born at Wilna. At the age of 18 he settled at Dubno, his wife's native town, where he carried on a prosperous business. On Saturdays and holy days he used to preach in the synagogues, attracting large audiences. Owing to his eloquence Landau was chosen by the communities of Volhynia as member of the rabbinical commission appointed by the emperor in 1861, which necessitated his remaining for five months in St. Petersburg. In 1868 he was called to Wilna as preacher and dayan, which office he held till his death. At Wilna he established a kosher kitchen for Jewish soldiers.