Abraham Zacuto: Iberian Rabbi and Astronomer in the Age of Discoveries

General Introduction

Rabbi Abraham Zucuto: Historical Context

• Era: Second half of the 15th century to early 16th century.
• Major Events:
  • Invention of the printing press.
  • Expansions of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Maritime expansions by Portugal and Spain.
  • Expulsion of Jews from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497).

Rabbi Abraham Zucuto’s Life

• Birth: Salamanca, 1452
• Death: Ottoman Empire, possibly Israel, 1515.
• Education: Strong Jewish and secular education.
• Career:
  • University of Salamanca as a mathematician and astronomer.
  • Official astronomer for the Portuguese king.
• Key events:
  • Expelled from Spain, relocated to Portugal, then forced to flee to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.
  • Connection with Columbus and Vasco da Gama.

Rabbi Abraham Zucuto: Scientific Contributions

• Almanac Perpetuum:
  • Astronomical tables for navigation.
  • Printed in 1496, first scientific book published in the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Used extensively by Columbus and Portuguese navigators.
• Mariner's Astrolabe:
  • Improved navigation tools for sea travel.

Rabbi Abraham Zucuto: Legacy and Recognition

• Historical Impact of scientific contributions:
  • Acknowledged by Spanish and Portuguese chronicles.
  • Commemorative medal by Spanish government.
• Contribution to Jewish thought:
  • We completely ignored in this talk this part of his legacy.

Concluding Remarks

• Cultural Contributions:
  • Integration of Jewish and secular studies in Sephardic tradition.
  • Recognized in literature and history for his contributions to navigation and Jewish scholarship.
• Personal Struggles:
  • Family remained in Portugal and faced forced conversions.
  • Traveled extensively due to expulsion and forced conversion policies.

Discussion Points

• Rabbinical Title:
  • Question on the authenticity of rabbinical title and process of smicha.
• On the Zohar:
  • Influence on Kabbalah and historical investigations on the Zohar.