Moses Zacuto

1625–1697

Born in Amsterdam, Moses Zacuto was a rabbi, kabbalist, commentator, poet, playwright, and community leader. He began his studies at the Ets Ḥayim Talmud Torah in Amsterdam, where he was educated in both Jewish and non-Jewish literature. For a while he lived in Hamburg, and later in Poznań (Posen), where he improved his knowledge of kabbalah. In 1644, Zacuto began a journey to the land of Israel, but he ended up remaining in Venice. In 1673 he relocated to Mantua to serve as the community’s rabbi. He wrote commentaries on biblical and rabbinic texts, literature, and responsa, among other works.

Content by Moses Zacuto

Primary Source

Tofteh ‘arukh (Hell Arranged)

Public Access
Text
What is this sound of tumult that I hear— Roaring of the sea, not burbling of the brook Like the roar of a lion or a tiger? I am in great danger and do not know If my time approaches when I must…

Primary Source

Foundation of the World

Yesod ‘olam
Public Access
Text
Moses Zacuto’s biblical drama in Hebrew dramatizes the midrashic tale of Abraham smashing the idols.