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Isaac AbravanelJewish scholar, commentator on the Tanakh, statesman.
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Don Isaac Abravanel: A Jewish Scholar, Statesman, and Commentator
- Exile from Portugal and Castile
- Defender of His People
- Wanderings and Literary Pursuits
- Venetian Service and Death
- Theological and Philosophical Writings
- Descendants and Influence
Don Isaac Abravanel: A Jewish Scholar, Statesman, and Commentator
Don Isaac Abravanel was a renowned Jewish scholar, commentator on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), and state official. He served as a close advisor to King Afonso V of Portugal, holding a prominent position at court.
Exile from Portugal and Castile
Upon Afonso V's death and the accession of João II, Abravanel fled to Castile in 1482. In 1484, he became Minister of Finance under King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile. This position exposed him to the infamous Edict of Expulsion in 1492, which ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain.
Defender of His People
Abravanel fervently interceded on behalf of his fellow Jews, but his efforts proved futile in the face of the royal couple's fanaticism, fueled by the Grand Inquisitor Tomás de Torquemada. King Ferdinand offered Abravanel an exemption, but he chose to share the fate of his brethren.
Wanderings and Literary Pursuits
He left for Naples, but after its capture by Charles VIII of France in 1495, fled to Messina with the deposed King Alfonso II. Upon Alfonso's death later that year, Abravanel settled in Corfu and then in Monopoli, a small town in Apulia, where he dedicated himself to his literary pursuits in peaceful seclusion.
Venetian Service and Death
In 1503, Abravanel was summoned to Venice by the Venetian government to mediate a dispute between Venice and Portugal. He died in Venice in 1508.
Theological and Philosophical Writings
Abravanel wrote numerous works on Jewish theology and philosophy in Hebrew, including commentaries on the entire Tanakh, the Mishnah, the tractate Avot, and Maimonides' philosophical treatise "Moreh Nevuchim" ("Guide for the Perplexed"). Many of his commentaries and treatises were translated into Latin.
Descendants and Influence
Abravanel had three sons: Judah, Joseph, and Samuel. The most famous was the eldest, Judah, known as Leon Medigo hebreo for his medical profession. His work "Dialoghi di amore," written in the spirit of Platonic philosophy, gained immense popularity and was translated into several languages.
