Judah Briel יהודה בן אליעזר בריאל
rabbi of Mantua, successor of Moshe Zacuto
One book of his appeared in print—the grammar Kelalei ha-Dikduk—and that posthumously, at Mantua in 1729. The rest remained in manuscript: responsa, a commentary on the Prophets and Writings, poems.
He is known above all for polemic. The Discorso Apologetico was written in defence of Menasseh ben Israel; a separate work answers Father Pinamonti; Animadversiones in evangelia examines the New Testament. A translation of Seneca's letters from Latin into Hebrew is also ascribed to him. He spoke out against the Sabbatean Nehemiah Hayyun.
Isaac Lampronti went to Mantua to complete his rabbinic training precisely with him—this is stated both in the article on Briel and in the article on Lampronti, from both sides. Of the five links in this section it is the firmest.
The year of birth is approximate: the Jewish Encyclopedia writes "about 1643", while other works give 1643 without qualification. The year of death, 1722, agrees everywhere.
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- Encyclopaedia Judaica, “Briel, Judah ben Eliezer” — 1643–1722, succession to Moshe Zacuto at Mantua, “among his students was Isaac Lampronti”, works
- Jewish Encyclopedia, “Brieli, Judah Leon ben Eliezer” — “born about 1643; died 1722”—the qualification on the birth year
- Jewish Encyclopedia, “Lampronti, Isaac b. Samuel” — confirmation from the other side: Lampronti completed his training at Mantua under Judah Briel
Basis: documents and evidence.