Rabbi Aryeh Loeb Ben Hayyim Breslau (1741-1809). Chief Rabbi of Rotterdam. Half-length portrait facing right, within roundelle. Dressed in Rabbinic finery

Rabbi Aryeh Loeb Ben Hayyim, author of the Penei Aryeh (responsa), achieved the reputation as a profound Talmudist to the extent that several outstanding scholars of the time would address halachic problems to him. His responsa, clear in style and written in pure Hebrew were reflective of his tendency toward a certain degree of independence in Halachic decisions. He composed prayers in connection with the Franco-Dutch war of 1793 that were published in both Hebrew and Dutch. The poem Mizmor Le Shabbat displayed his considerable talent. His sons adopted the family name "Lowenstamm" (descendent of the lion) in reference to their father's name Aryeh (lion). See EJ, IV col.1356. See also Lot 274 The artist, a resident of Rotterdam, primarily painted historical scenes. See Benezit, Vol. VII, p.25