Creator Bio
Samuel Mendes de Sola
1699–1761
Born in Lisbon, Samuel Mendes de Sola was renowned as an orator and talmudist. He studied at a seminary in Amsterdam and initially served as rabbi in that city. He moved to Curaçao in 1744, as a rabbinic assistant, and then served as ḥakham of the local synagogue from 1749 until his death. He was a controversial figure within the Curaçao Jewish community. Disputes arose over such issues as biblical interpretation, marriage contracts, burial rights, and commercial issues. Copies of his sermons and ritual decisions still exist.
Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator
Primary Source
License Authorizing Daniel da Costa Gomez to Be a Ritual Slaughterer
These letters of mine may be presented by the witnesses of the Lord, and they will be vindicated—to the effect that the young and delightful young man Daniel, whose utterances were genuine, appeared…
Primary Source
Triunfo da união contra o pernicioso vicio da discordia (Triumph of Union against the Pernicious Vice of Discord)
Victory, Victory (oh most worthy congregation) Victory, not only once but many times shall I say and repeat that word, for it is such a joyous day for this entire, dear congregation, to be able to…
Related Guide
Rabbinic Scholarship, 1750–1880
Despite the challenges of the early modern period, rabbinic scholarship flourished in Central and Eastern Europe in the latter half of the eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century.