Alexander Ziskind of Grodno

Alexander Ziskind of Grodno was a leading Lithuanian scholar and kabbalist known for humility and dedication to Torah study that precluded his acceptance of a rabbinic position. He similarly cautioned his children not to accept such leadership positions and shared further guidance in an ethical will that was published in the year of his death. His best-known work is the often-printed Yesod VeShoresh HaAvodah, a detailed guide to prayer and other religious practices.