Tzvi Ashkenazi

Tzvi Ashkenazi
Oil portrait of R. Tzvi Hirsch Ashkenazi painted in 1714, during his visit to England. The portrait is currently held at the Jewish Museum London.
Personal life
Born1656
Died2 May 1718(1718-05-02) (aged 61–62)
ChildrenJacob Emden
Religious life
ReligionJudaism
Yahrtzeit1 Iyar

Tzvi Hirsch ben Yaakov Ashkenazi (Hebrew: צבי אשכנזי; 1656 – 2 May 1718), known as the Hakham 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 due to his independence of character. He visited many lands, including England, where he wielded much influence. His responsa are held in high esteem.