Nathan Nata Spira Explained

Nathan Nata Spiro
Birth Date:1585
Death Date:20 July 1633
Death Place:Kraków, Poland
Nationality:Polish
Occupation:Chief Rabbi of Kraków
Spouse:Roza (Chayes-Altschuler) Spira
Parents:Solomon Spiro

Nathan Nata Spira (Hebrew: {{Script/Hebrew|נָתָן נָטָע שַׁפִּירָא; 1585 – 20 July 1633) was a Polish rabbi and kabbalist, who served as Chief Rabbi of Kraków. A student of Meir Lublin, Spira played an important role in spreading Isaac Luria's teachings throughout Poland.[1] Spira was the author of a number of works, most notably the Megaleh Amukot.[2]

Biography

Spira descended from a rabbinical family, which traced its lineage as far back to Rashi, the noted 11th-century French commentator.[3] He was named after his grandfather Nathan Nata Spira, who was rabbi in Hrodna and author of Mevo Shearim (1575) and Imrei shefer (1597). His father was Solomon Spira.

Spira had seven children, three sons and four daughters.[4] While serving as Chief Rabbi of Kraków, Spira refused a salary.He is buried in the Old Jewish cemetery in Kazimierz, Krakow.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Sherwin, Byron L. . Sparks Amidst the Ashes: The Spiritual Legacy of Polish Jewry. 1997. Oxford University Press US. 978-0-19-510685-5. 43 & 65.
  2. Encyclopedia: 24. Nathan Nata Spira. Kayserling. Meyer. Schulim Ochser. Jewish Encyclopedia. 26 September 2010.
  3. Book: Gelles, Edward. An Ancient Lineage: European Roots of a Jewish family: Gelles-Griffel-Wahl-Chajes-Safier-Loew-Taube. 2006. Vallentine Mitchell. 978-0-85303-680-7. 231.
  4. Book: Rafaeli, Esther . The Modest Genius: Reb Aisel Harif. 2004. Devora Publishing. 978-1-932687-04-0. 324.