Samuel David Luzzatto – Podcast

Welcome to this sacred place where my mortal remains rest, cradled in the stillness. I am Samuel David Luzzatto, better known as Shadal, I was born on 22 August 1800, in the beautiful city of Trieste.

Coming from a traditional Sephardic Jewish family, I grew up with a deep appreciation for religious education and intellectual pursuits. My early years were marked by my remarkable abilities in both Jewish and classical studies.

Growing up, I immersed myself in the deep ocean of wisdom hidden within the texts of Hebrew literature, exploring the depths of the Talmud, midrashic texts and Hebrew grammar. But my thirst for knowledge went beyond the confines of my religious studies. I developed a fascination for classical literature, philosophy and linguistics, which broadened my intellectual horizons.

The 19th century was a time of immense change for the Jewish community and I found myself at the forefront of these transformative times.

Curiosity led me to travel around Europe, seeking out great scholars to expand my knowledge. When I was only sixteen, I began studying under Rabbi Marco Mortara, a renowned Talmudic scholar from Padua. Under his guidance, my analytical skills refined to such an extent that I gained the reputation of a young prodigy in Jewish studies.

But I was not content to limit my education to Hebrew texts alone. I embarked on a linguistic journey, determined to master several languages. Arabic, Aramaic, Greek, Latin and French were among the many languages I delved into. My linguistic skills opened up new avenues of exploration into philosophy, mysticism and literature that existed outside of traditional Jewish thought.

Increasingly hungry for knowledge, I undertook the ambitious task of translating important Greek and Latin works into Hebrew, making them accessible to an ever-widening Jewish audience. Works such as Aristotle's Ethics, Plato's Dialogues and the writings of Seneca and Lucretius found new life in my translations. These translations laid the foundation for my later philosophical and theological writings.

However, my love for knowledge extended far beyond my intellect. I felt that nourishing the mind was not enough. Therefore, I tried to bridge the gap between philosophy, science and Judaism through my writings. I approached religious texts with an open mind, integrating insights from various secular disciplines, advocating a holistic approach to knowledge.

In 1819 I published two works in Wien: a short collection of poetic texts (Kinnòr naìm) and the Formulary of the prayers of the Israelites according to the Italian rite, translating from German a text of daily prayers and emphasising the importance of the use of Hebrew as a language of worship for us Jews.

Ten years later I was entrusted with a prestigious professorship and was appointed professor of history, philosophy and Jewish literature at the Rabbinical College of Padua, where I taught until the end of my days. Following my vocation to teach and to share values in which I deeply believed, I devoted much of my time and energy to creating new study texts for my students, with the aim of helping them approach the great teachings of Judaism, the Semitic languages and the Hebrew language. Despite the very demanding nature of my role, I have experienced teaching as an inexhaustible source of inspiration to cultivate and transmit value.

Throughout my life, I have corresponded with eminent scholars, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Moses Mendelssohn, Giacomo Leopardi and Friedrich Schelling were among the intellectual giants with whom I exchanged ideas. These conversations sharpened my thoughts, broadened my intellectual horizons and provided me with new perspectives.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I found solace in poetry. I expressed my thoughts and ideas through rhyming verses in both Hebrew and Italian. Love, nature and spirituality were often the background to my poetry, which sought to weave deep philosophical concepts into aesthetically pleasing compositions.

Although my life was not without difficulties, particularly financial hardship throughout my career, I remained steadfast in my devotion to my studies and intellectual pursuits. I relied on the support of church and municipal networks to sustain me.

Over the years, my influence has transcended the borders of Italy. My writings have inspired a new generation of Jewish thinkers who have embraced the possibility of integrating reason and tradition. The impact of my beliefs can still be felt in the ongoing dialogue between modern Orthodox and secular Jews.

Sadly, an illness seized me suddenly and I struggled to ensure that it did not undermine my vitality and love of stories. Mine came to an end on 30 September 1865, when my last breath melted in the autumn breeze, accompanying my soul to a place hidden from view.

With my passing, an era of Jewish studies in Italy came to an end. However, my intellectual legacy lives on through my writings, which continue to inspire scholars and seekers of knowledge to this day. Through my translations, writings and poetry, I have aimed to integrate knowledge and encourage the search for truth. As I come to the conclusion of this short journey through time, I hope that my words hold not only the story of a man, but testimony.

Witness to the enormous power generated by intellectual and spiritual curiosity, capable of giving sap to the soul of an entire people. My people, our people, who for millennia have resisted, survived and thrived through the sharing of ideas and the strength of an unshakeable faith.