Ḥalfon ben Nethanel

Ḥalfon ben Nethanel ha-Levi Ibn al-Dimyātī was a leading twelfth-century Jewish merchant. Born in Egypt, he traveled extensively for business from al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) to North Africa, Egypt, Yemen, and even India. He spent time in al-Andalus and maintained a close relationship with the poet and theologian Judah ha-Levi. Ḥalfon himself was a scholar of some standing, whose erudite writings attest to his learning. Many Geniza documents pertain to his life and business activities.