Joseph Hayim Sonnenfeld (1849-1932)

One of the foremost leaders of "the old Yishuv" in Jerusalem. The term Old Yishuv refers to those who had lived in Eretz Israel prior to the Zionist movement. He was instrumental in establishing (along with Diskin) schools and orphanages. Sonnenfeld was a dynamic rabbinical leader who preached separation between the Orthodox and non-Orthodox community. At the same time, he was a strong supporter of the resettlement of Eretz Israel and the use of Hebrew as the official language. His scholarly works include Responsa on the Shulchan Aruch as well as on the Talmud.