Benjamin Eliakim Yates facts for kids

Benjamin Eliakim Yates, also known as Goetz (Yiddish: בנימין בן אליקים געץ), was an important Jewish leader. He served as the rabbi for the Jewish community in Liverpool, England, until his death in 1798.

Life and Work

Benjamin Eliakim Yates was the older son of Eliakim Goetz. His family came from a place called Strelitz. Benjamin himself was probably born there too.

When he first arrived in England, he worked as a traveling seal-engraver. This means he carved designs onto seals. He eventually settled in one of the southwestern parts of England.

Later, Benjamin moved to Liverpool. There, he continued his work as an engraver and also became a jeweller. He made and sold jewelry.

A Leader in the Community

Besides his trade, Benjamin Yates took on many important roles in Liverpool's growing Jewish community. He became their rabbi, which is a spiritual leader. He also served as a ḥazzan (a person who leads prayers), a shoḥet (who prepares meat according to Jewish law), and a mohel (who performs a special religious ceremony for baby boys).

His home at 109 Frederick Street is thought to have been the very first regular synagogue in Liverpool. A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship. The small garden at his home was used as a burial ground. Benjamin Yates was the last person to be buried there.

Family Legacy

After Benjamin passed away, his younger brother, Samuel, moved to Liverpool. Samuel likely took over the engraving and jewelry business that Benjamin had built.

Samuel Yates and his wife, Martha, became the ancestors of many important families in the Liverpool Jewish community. Their descendants included famous people like Herbert, Viscount Samuel and Sir Stuart Samuel.