 On October 13, 1939, the Nazi "Amtsleiter" in Łódź appointed Rumkowski the "Judenältester" ("Chief Elder of the Jews"), head of the "Ältestenrat" ("Council of Elders").In this position, Rumkowski reported directly to the Nazi ghetto administration, headed by Hans Biebow.When the rabbinate was dissolved, Rumkowski performed weddings.