David Friesenhausen

David ben Meir Cohen Friesenhausen (1756–1828) was a German-Hungarian astronomer, maskil, mathematician, and rabbi. a philosophy of Orthodox Judaism that formalizes a relationship between traditionally observant Judaism and the modern world. He proposed a dual curriculum of Jewish and secular studies for all rabbinic candidates, In 1783, Friesenhausen married, but was divorced four years later. Thereafter, Friesenhausen left Berlin to travel throughout Europe for the dual purpose of selling his newly published book and to attain advance subscriptions for planned book, Mosodot Tevel. On 26 July 1806 Friesenhausen met with Archduke Joseph, who promised to bring the matter to his brother Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor. The Hungarian rabbinate were unhappy with Friesenhausen's unilateral activities. They accused of him being a dangerous reformer and of undermining their position. Friesenhausen was unable to attain a rabbinic position in Pest so he moved back to Huncovce.

In 1813, after some deliberation, the government declined the proposal. The stated reasons were that: (1) The Jews did not have enough funds for the schools especially since the tolerance tax was increased; (2) the policy of the government was to assimilate the Jews; and (3) Jews were able to attend Christian schools.

Sátoraljaújhely Friesenhausen had difficulties making a reasonable income in Huncovce. In 1808, Friesenhausen moved to Sátoraljaújhely (Ujhely), Hungary, where he served as dayyan in the rabbinic court of Moses Teitelbaum. Friesenhausen was unhappy in Sátoraljaújhely, mainly due to his dislike of Moses Teitelbaum.

Friesenhausen wrote Mosedot Tebel, a treatise on astronomy, in which he explains the Copernican heliocentrism. Mosedot Tebel also contains a proof for the eleventh axiom of Euclid, and a 74-page ethical Will & Testament to his children. In 1816, Friesenhausen left Sátoraljaújhely in order to secure financing for the publication of his book, eventually getting it published in Vienna in 1820.

Later life After publishing Mosedot Tebel, Friesenhausen retired and spent his remaining years in Alba Iulia with his son Meir, a physician. David died on 23 March 1828.