SM
Arts & Literature

Solomon Molcho

Who

Solomon Molcho · Arts & Literature

What

Portuguese-born mystic and preacher, a messianic figure and author burned at the stake in 1532.

When

c. 1500, Lisbon, Portugal — 1532, Mantua, Italy

Where

Portugal · Ottoman Empire · Italy

Biography

Solomon Molcho is recognized among Jewish contributors to Arts & Literature — Portuguese-born mystic and preacher, a messianic figure and author burned at the stake in 1532.

How & why

Solomon Molcho was born Diogo Pires into a family of Portuguese conversos (Jews forced to convert to Christianity), then openly returned to Judaism and became a Kabbalist, preacher and messianic figure. Circumcising himself and adopting the name Molcho, he traveled through the Ottoman lands and Italy proclaiming an imminent redemption before being tried by the Inquisition and burned at the stake in 1532. His life is a documented case of a Jew returning to his faith at the cost of his life.

Sources & external links

Verify and go deeper with these external references.

Source: Jewish Encyclopedia

Contributions & Sources

Portuguese-born mystic and preacher, a messianic figure and author burned at the stake in 1532.

c. 1500

Source: Jewish Encyclopedia