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Biographical/Historical Information

Born in Lisbon, Portugal to a distinguished Jewish family that had escaped massacres in Castile, Spain in 1391, Isaac Abravanel (1437–1508) was a philosopher, statesman, financier, and writer. He studied Jewish philosophy and had a knack for finances, eventually becoming treasurer to the court of King Afonso V of Portugal. He was later accused of connivance by King John II, and fled to Castile in 1483, though his wealth was seized. Abravanel then served King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella for several years in Spain. Following the Alhambra Decree (or Edict of Expulsion), he left for Naples and served King Alfonso II. He eventually settled in Venice, where he negotiated treaties with Portugal. Abravanel died in 1508 and was buried in Padua.

“Aufbringungswerk” was the office’s name at the Jewish congregation in Berlin, devoted to raising funds under the Nazi regime. Established in 1934, it was directed by Rabbi Martin Salomonski until his deportation to Theresienstadt in 1942.

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Citation

Unknown Artist: Don Isaak Abravanel : 1437-1508, Leo Baeck Institute, 59.12.