Orḥot ‘olam (Paths of the World)

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, Iggeret orḥot ‘olam (Letter on the Ways of the World), the first Hebrew text to describe the New 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.