Signature of Mordecai Samuel ben Benzion Aryeh Ghirondi

Signature of Mordecai Samuel ben Benzion Aryeh Ghirondi

Ghirondi, Mordecai Samuel ben Benzion Aryeh, 1799-1852

This is the signature of Mordecai Samuel ben Benzion Aryeh Ghirondi (1799-1852), an Italian rabbi, professor and bibliophile. He was the grandson of Mazal-Tov Benvenida Ghirondi, who was famous for her teaching skills and lessons on Jewish subjects.

Ghirondi studied at the rabbinical college of Padua and later taught theology there. In 1829 he served as assistant rabbi of Padua and in 1831 he became chief rabbi.

Ghirondi was a published author by the age of sixteen. His writings include a work on ethics, a treatise, a responsa and a collection of biographies of Italian scholars and rabbis. Ghirondi was an avid bibliophile, and portions of his collection are in the Montefiore Library in Jews' College in London and the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

The first image pictured on the right is Ghirondi's signature. Also pictured here is Ghirondi's full name, which was written in block Hebrew letters on the title page. It is unclear whether Ghirondi inscribed it himself or if it was added by another owner. Ghirondi also wrote a Hebrew inscription in the center of the title page, which says "Mordecai Shmuel Ghirondi of Padua, may G-d keep him and protect him".

Ghirondi, Mordecai Samuel ben Benzion Aryeh, 1799-1852

Jewish Encyclopedia

Virtual Judaica

Wikipedia

Digital Image: Washington University in Saint Louis

Ink

Hebrew

Signature

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