Sometimes they were the only Jews who could interact with the local high society and present petitions of the Jews to the ruler .
Sometimes they were also prominent people in the local Jewish community and could use their influence to protect and influence their brethren .
Sometimes people were the only people who could interact with the local high society and present petitions of the people to the ruler .
Sometimes they were also prominent people in the local Jewish community and could use their influence to protect and influence their brethren .