Benvenida

Much of what is known about Benvenida is from the contemporary Consolation for the Tribulations of Israel, written by Samuel Usque (sixteenth century) in Ferrara in 1553.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

In 1533 another expulsion, initiated by the Emperor Charles V, was declared for the Jews of Naples, but it was postponed for ten years due to the intervention of Benvenida and several princesses from Naples who petitioned the emperor.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

Another quarrel broke out between Benvenida and the children in May 1552.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

Now Benvenida received permission from the authorities in Florence to open five banking establishments in Tuscany with her sons, Jacob and Judah.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

By 1492, Benvenida and much of the family, perhaps after a stop in Portugal, had settled in Naples, where first her father and then her husband, referred to as the king of the Jews, became the leaders of the Jewish community.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

In 1544, when Benvenida came to Florence to visit and to discuss religious matters with Eleonora, the Duke had been present for this friendly conversation.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

Benvenida received praise from many prominent Jewish writers, whose works remain major sources of information about her.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

When he married — if he did so according to the wishes of Benvenida — he would be given a further amount, double that which he had already received, two full beds, and more jewelry and clothing for his wife — again, according to the wishes of Benvenida.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

In the margins of one of the responsa dealing with the matter of inheritance, Benvenida, not identified by name, is recognized as “a lady and a crown of women, a mother in Israel.”

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009

In June, 1551, Isaac testified before a notary in Ferrara about the differences between his fortunes and those of the other members of the family: while Benvenida and the other sons had honor, wealth and control of the estate; he was spending his portion on legal fees.

Benvenida Abravanel. 2009