Moses Isserles (c. 1525–1572)

Popularly known under the name of Remuh, being the acronym of his Jewish title: Rabbi Mosze Isserles. Son of Israel Isserl who founded one of the oldest synagogues in Kraków's Kazimierz for him in 1553, later known as the Remuh Synagogue. Moses Isserles was an eminent Talmudist and philosopher, author of numerous works on religion, philosophy, and law; for many years the Head Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Kraków (1547-1572) and the rector of Kraków yeshiva. His most famous work Mapa (The Tablecloth) modified Jewish religious law and remains to this day one of the most basic guidelines to religious practice for Jews. His grave is in the old Jewish cemetery by the Remuh synagogue. As his grave is considered miraculous, Jews from all over the world come on pilgrimage to his burial place and leave requests on pieces of paper, believing that these will be heard and fulfilled. Fearing a curse, the Germans left the grave untouched during the second world war.



Gravestone of Rabbi Remuh on the Remuh cemetery in Kraków, photo by Jakub Meissner