Baruch Spinoza: the story on HearLore

Baruch Spinoza

On the 24th of November 1632, a boy named Baruch Espinoza was born into a house on the Houtgracht canal. This street sat on an artificial island called the Vlooienburg in Amsterdam. His father Michael ran a successful import business that reached across Europe. The family lived near the Bet Ya'acov synagogue where young Baruch received his early education. He learned Hebrew and studied sacred texts under the guidance of Rabbi Saul Levi Morteira. His mother Hannah Deborah died when he was only six years old. A third wife named Esther then raised him from age nine until her death. She spoke Portuguese at home and lacked formal Jewish knowledge because she had grown up as a New Christian. The household dynamics shifted constantly after his brother Isaac died in 1649. Baruch became responsible for the family business while his scholarly ambitions were pushed aside.

The Herem Decree Of 1656

On the 27th of July 1656, community leaders issued a writ of herem against the twenty-three-year-old Spinoza. This document described his actions as abominable heresies and monstrous deeds without stating specific reasons. The censure carried tremendous emotional impact and remained unrescinded forever. Before this expulsion, Spinoza had not published any treatise or written work. The exact cause remains unknown but likely involved his growing criticism of Judaism. He appealed to city authorities to free himself from debts owed by his late father. This legal maneuver violated synagogue regulations that required internal arbitration of business disputes. His reputation as a merchant suffered permanent damage following these events. The Amsterdam municipal authorities did not directly intervene yet ordered the community to maintain strict observance of Jewish law. Other evidence suggests officials feared upsetting civil authorities if religious matters were discussed openly with Christians. Spinoza found lodgings elsewhere in Amsterdam and Leiden between 1656 and 1661. He supported himself through teaching while learning lens grinding techniques.

When and where was Baruch Spinoza born?

Baruch Spinoza was born on the 24th of November 1632 into a house on the Houtgracht canal in Amsterdam. The street sat on an artificial island called the Vlooienburg.

Why did community leaders issue a writ of herem against Baruch Spinoza?

Community leaders issued a writ of herem against Baruch Spinoza on the 27th of July 1656 because his actions were described as abominable heresies and monstrous deeds without stating specific reasons. The censure likely involved his growing criticism of Judaism and violated synagogue regulations regarding business disputes.

Who taught Baruch Spinoza Latin and introduced him to scholastic philosophy?

Franciscus van den Enden taught Baruch Spinoza Latin between 1654 and 1657 and introduced him to scholastic philosophy and modern thinkers like René Descartes. Van den Enden was a former Jesuit and self-described atheist who hosted classes where Spinoza learned arts and sciences.

What is the meaning of the phrase Deus sive Natura used by Baruch Spinoza?

The phrase Deus sive Natura encapsulated Baruch Spinoza's view that the whole natural universe consists of one single infinite self-caused eternal substance. He defined this substance as God or Nature while everything else represents modifications or modes dependent on it.

When did Baruch Spinoza publish the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and why did he use anonymity?

Baruch Spinoza published the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus in 1670 using a false place of publication to avoid persecution. His friend Adriaan Koerbagh had faced imprisonment for criticizing organized religion so Spinoza anticipated similar reactions from theologians.

Baruch Spinoza

The Herem Decree Of 1656

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Common questions

When and where was Baruch Spinoza born?

Why did community leaders issue a writ of herem against Baruch Spinoza?

Who taught Baruch Spinoza Latin and introduced him to scholastic philosophy?

What is the meaning of the phrase Deus sive Natura used by Baruch Spinoza?

When did Baruch Spinoza publish the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and why did he use anonymity?

Latin Study With Van Den Enden

Lens Grinding And Literary Silence

God As Nature And Determinism

Secular State And Political Freedom

Legacy Among Modern Thinkers