Abraham ben Joseph of Lissa

Abraham ben Joseph of Lissa was communal leader in Poland, apparently wealthy and engaged in trade. During the 1730s he represented Great Poland on the Councils of the Lands, and twice, from 1739 to 1743 and from 1751 – 1753, presided over the Council as parnas. During his second term as parnas and later in the 1750s and 1760s, he also served as treasurer.

Abraham’s father the rabbi of Zlotow, and Abraham’s brothers lived in Lissa, where they also took part in the leadership of the community. The family was renowned for its wealth, its strong principles, and its charitableness, and although the sources do not indicate their means of livelihood, it is likely that they were merchants.