Biography
Cantarini was born in Padua, where he received his diploma as physician on February 11, 1664. In addition to following the profession of medicine, he often preached in synagogues. His sermons were frequently attended by Christians, the number of these on one occasion being so great that the Jews had to find seats in the women's gallery. He also taught in the yeshiva, and officiated as cantor, especially on the Day of Atonement. As he had a thorough knowledge of the Talmud, his decisions were often sought in halakic cases.
Cantarini had an extensive medical practice, especially among the patricians outside Padua, but at the end of his life, having lost his property through others, he was in straitened circumstances. He died in Padua. Many elegies were written in his memory, among others by his pupil Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Venice, 1728).
Read more about this topic: Isaac Chayyim Cantarini
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