Aryeh Leib ben Asher Gunzberg
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Rabbi Aryeh Leib ben Asher Gunzberg (aka Shaagat Aryeh) (Hebrew: אריה ליב גינסבורג) was born in Lithuania, c. 1695, and died at Metz, France June 23, 1785. He was a Rabbinical casuist often referred to by the name of his most famous book, Shaagat Aryeh (Hebrew, שאגת אריה, for 'Roar of the Lion').
At one time Gunzberg was Rabbi in Pinsk, and then later founded a yeshivah in Minsk. Here however he engaged in hostile dispute with the Gaon Yechiel Halpern, whose supporters eventually drove Gunzberg from the city.
His book ‘Shaagat Aryeh’ was first published in Frankfurt-am-Main in 1755 and is still frequently quoted in rabbinical debate, as are many of his responsa.
He became Rabbi in Metz in 1765, but an early argument with his congregation led to him refusing to enter the synagogue except to give four sermons a year. Despite this he retained his post until his demise.
A legend exists of his death, doubtless inspired by his controversialist nature. During his studies a book-case fell on him, covering him with books. His students were able to rescue him after an hour or so, and congratulated him on his escape and survival. For Gunzberg however the experience was ominous. Whilst covered by the books, he told his followers, he had asked the forgiveness of all the authors whom he had, during his career, contradicted or impugned. All gave their pardon except for one – which indicated to Gunzberg that he would not long survive.
It is very likely that this legend is the source of the urban myth surrounding the death of the French-Jewish composer Charles-Valentin Alkan, whose family originated from Metz.
[edit] Works
- Shaagas Aryeh
- Gevuras Ari
- Turei Even
