Menaḥem Azariah da Fano

Menaḥem Azariah was born to a wealthy family in the small Italian town of Fano. He was a prolific writer, a recognized authority on rabbinic law and the foremost exponent of Moses Cordovero’s kabbalistic teachings in the West. He later came to admire the teachings of Isaac Luria, although he never abandoned Cordovero’s system. His popularity as a teacher attracted students from far afield. Famed for his gentleness and humility, da Fano played an active role in helping the victims of the 1570 earthquake. He also contributed funds to finance the printing of works by Cordovero and Joseph Karo. His responsa demonstrate his precise writing style and original views. In total, seventeen works by da Fano have been published. His liturgical poems, elegies, comments on Lurianic teachings, and correspondence survive in manuscript.