A Shtadlan was an intercessor figure starting in Medieval Europe, who represented interests of the local Jewish community, especially those of a town's ghetto, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating for the safety and benefit of Jews with the authorities holding power. The process of Jewish intercession is known as shtadlanut. Traditionally, Shtadlanim were seen as great protectors of the communities they affiliated with, and received approbation from the governing Jewish religious authorities.