Mordecai Ben Šemuel Maisel was a businessman, philanthropist, Jewish community head, and builder of Prague’s Jewish town during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. In 1528; Maisel was born in Krakow, Poland; he and his family moved to Prague shortly after. He made his fortune through various business ventures, including trade, banking, and mining. Maisel worked in the trade of multiple commodities, such as silk, spices, and metals, and he had business connections with merchants throughout Europe and the Middle East. Moreover, he established a successful banking business and several silver and gold mines in Bohemia.

Due to Maisel’s outstanding financial success, the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, requested monetary assistance during the Turkish Wars. Following Maisel’s cooperation, Emperor Rudolf II granted him unique privileges such as the right to lend money against promissory notes, pledges, and property. Maisel’s wealth allowed him to become a prominent patron of the arts and a generous philanthropist. He donated significantly to Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, and hospitals, and supported Christian charities and institutions.

Maisel contributed to the construction of several important buildings, including the Maisel Synagogue, which is still in use today. He also financed the construction of the Jewish Town Hall and other public works, such as the streets’ paving and street lamp installation. As a philanthropist, Maisel supported many Jewish scholars and artists and provided funding for the education of poor children. He also did extensive charitable work, like distributing food and clothing to people experiencing poverty.

Maisel's political career began in 1592 when he was elected to the city council. He later served as mayor of the Prague Jewish Quarter from 1592 until his death in 1601. During his time in office, Maisel worked to improve the living conditions of the city's Jewish population and to promote trade and commerce.

Overall, Mordecai Maisel was a highly respected figure in Prague, known for his generosity, civic leadership, and commitment to the Jewish community. His legacy can still be seen in the many buildings and institutions that he helped to establish, as well as in the ongoing cultural and intellectual traditions of the Jewish community in Prague.

Written By Lukas Isley

Sources:

Meyer, Alena. “Jewish Quarter | Prague Travel Guide.” Prague Guide. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://www.guide-prague.org/en/zidovske-mesto/.

(www.nux.cz), Nux s.r.o., and Židovské muzeum v Praze. “Maisel Synagogue | Židovské Muzeum v Praze.” Accessed March 24, 2023. https://www.jewishmuseum.cz/en/explore/sites/maisel-synagogue/.

StudyLight.org. “Meisel - The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia -.” Accessed March 29, 2023. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tje/p/meisel.html.

“YIVO | Maisel, Mordecai.” Accessed March 21, 2023. https://yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Maisel_Mordecai.