Orḥot ‘olam (Paths of the World)

Abraham Farissol

First Quarter of the 16th Century

Chapter 29

On the existence and nature of a great and awesome, holy world, which is situated beyond the equator, and whether it is possible that there is a settlement south of this equator, called zona tórrida (“the torrid zone”) in the Christian and Greek languages.

Most astronomers, natural philosophers, and cosmologists, especially Ptolemy in…

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Creator Bio

Abraham Farissol

1451–1525

Born in Avignon, Abraham ben Mordechai Farissol settled in Italy with his father and two brothers in 1469/70. A skilled copyist, he made a living producing manuscripts, including some commissioned by the wealthy Norsa family in Mantua. He was subsequently engaged by the Jewish community of Ferrara, where he spent most of his life, to serve as teacher, cantor, mohel, and communal scribe. While not officially appointed as rabbi of the community, he served in a leadership role. He represented Judaism in a debate against two monks conducted in the presence of the Duke of Ferrara. Farissol is best known for his geographical work, Orḥot olam (Paths of the World). Inspired by David Reuveni’s arrival in Italy in 1523, one chapter is also devoted to the ten lost tribes. In addition, Farissol penned a polemic work in defense of Judaism, Magen Avraham (Shield of Abraham). He wrote a short commentary on the Torah (which has never been printed) and another on Avot, in addition to translating works by Aristotle and Porphyry into Hebrew. His commentary on Job was included in the Bomberg Bible printed in Venice in 1516/17.

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