Meir ben Ephraim of Padua

Despite his name, Meir ben Ephraim of Padua was likely born in Mantua, where he spent his entire life. Although nothing is known about his early years, after Meir became a sofer, a scribe of Torah scrolls, he kept a detailed record of his activities, including the time spent copying each scroll, the sheets of parchment used, his clients, and personal information. Meir completed his first scroll on April 10, 1542, and during his long and productive career completed forty-three Torah scrolls. He acquired an impressive reputation. Many prominent Italian Jews desired his scrolls, and according to reports, his work was never questioned. He also produced tefillin—several responsa discuss a dispute between Meir and a competitor, ruling in Meir’s favor—and served as a teacher. Among his students was physician Abraham Portaleone. In 1556, Meir founded a Hebrew press in Mantua that printed the first edition of the Zohar (1558–1560). He played various communal roles, including head of the Talmud Torah and of charitable societies. He was arrested by the Inquisition for a brief period in 1579 but was soon released and returned to his work. He died before completing his forty-fourth scroll.