Rabbi Ovadyah of Bertinoro, Italy Moves to the Land of Israel
Rabbi Ovadyah ben Abraham of Bertinoro, Italy, commonly known as “The Bartenura,” moved to Israel in 1488 CE and is known for his popular commentary on the Mishnah. In his writings, he notes that there were 70 Jewish households in Jerusalem. He became the spiritual leader of the Jerusalem Jewry and succeeded in uniting the oppressed and divided community.
In 1488 CE, he wrote in a letter from Jerusalem:
“I sought the place of the Foundation Stone where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, and many people told me it is under a tall and beautiful dome which the Arabs built in the Temple precinct…
No Jew may enter the enclosure of the Temple…”
By 1495 CE, a student of Rabbi Ovadya mentions 200 Jewish families in Jerusalem.
Overview
Rabbi Ovadyah ben Abraham of Bertinoro, commonly known as “The Bartenura,” was a Jewish scholar noted for his popular commentary on the Mishnah. In his writings he notes 70 Jewish households in Jerusalem and dedicated himself to rejuvenate the Jewish community of Jerusalem in his later years.
In 1488, he wrote in a letter from Jerusalem:
“I sought the place of the Foundation Stone where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, and many people told me it is under a tall and beautiful dome which the Arabs built in the Temple precinct…
No Jew may enter the enclosure of the Temple…”
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