Benken Johann Benjamin – Christian, proprietor of the Jewish inn (Judenhof) in Riga, where all Jews (except the so-called “protected” ones) were required to stay.

Jews either lived there permanently or stayed temporarily while visiting the city. The right to manage the inn was granted to Benken and his heirs by the Riga Magistrate on 15 December 1764 for a period of 50 years in exchange for a fixed payment.

As the proprietor, Benken was responsible for monitoring all Jews in the city. Those who did not stay at the inn had to engage in financial transactions with him.

Literature:

  • P. Очерк истории рижских евреев // «Восход». 1885. №№ 2, 3

  • Buchholtz A. Geschichte der Juden in Riga (History of the Jews in Riga), R., 1899