MANASSEH BEN JOSEPH OF LLYE

(1767-1831)

Lithuanian talmudic scholar. He was born in Smorgon, and became a disciple of the Vilna Gaon,Elijah ben Solomon Zalman. He was versed in both rabbinic and secular studies. In his writings he challenged the Talmud as well as Rashi's understanding of the Mishnah. An advocate of halakhic change, he was persecuted by the Orthodox. He later worked as a private teacher in Russia and Galicia, where he became acquainted with the maskilim.