Frumkin's step-grandfather was Aaron ha-Levi ben Moses of Staroselye, a close disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

He emigrated to Jerusalem, Damascus Eyalet on 19 December 1859, at the age of nine, with his father, Alexander Sender Frumkin, mother and brother.

Its publication was spasmodically interrupted through the intrigues and machinations of the zealots of Jerusalem, whom Frumkin constantly denounced for the lack of reform in the "halukkah" system.

6), headed "An American and yet a Despot", the Havatzelet was suspended, and Frumkin was imprisoned for forty-five days, by order from Constantinople directed to the pasha of Jerusalem.

After his release, Frumkin organized the society 'Ezrat Niddaḥim in honor of Sir Moses and Lady Judith Montefiore and to counteract the influence of the missionaries.