Moses Provenzali

Moses Provenzali was one of the greatest Italian talmudic scholars of his time and was at the heart of several controversies. He was severely criticized for his position on the divorce of Samuel Venturozzo (1564)—an issue that divided Italian rabbis—for ruling that the divorce was invalid because it was made under duress. Indeed, the rabbis of Venice forbade him to hold office for three years (although it seems the ruling was not implemented), and many called for his excommunication. However, Provenzali received the support of rabbis of Safed, including Joseph Karo, and continued to serve as chief rabbi of Mantua until his death. Provenzali wrote an approbation for the first edition of the Zohar (Mantua, 1558). He wrote a guide to Hebrew grammar in verse and a geometric treatise, in addition to many responsa, and commentaries on talmudic tractates and on Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed. Many of his writings remain in manuscript.