Nathan Nata Spira
Polish rabbi and kabbalist (1585–1633)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nathan Nata Spira (Hebrew: נָתָן נָטָע שַׁפִּירָא;[a] 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]
Nathan Nata Spira | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Rabbi Spira's grave in the Remah Cemetery, Krakow | |
| Born | 1585 |
| Died | 20 July 1633 (aged 47–48) |
| Occupation | Chief Rabbi of Kraków |
| Spouse | Roza (Chayes-Altschuler) Spira |
| Parent | Solomon Spira |
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).[4][2] His father was Solomon Spira.[2]
Spira had seven children, three sons and four daughters.[5] While serving as Chief Rabbi of Kraków, Spira refused a salary.[2] He is buried in the Old Jewish cemetery in Kazimierz, Krakow.
