Abraham Gabriel

16th to 17th-century Palestinian rabbi

Abraham Gabriel was a prominent Palestinian rabbi who lived during the 16th to 17th centuries. His origins are believed to be Italian, and he resided in Safed, where he became a disciple of the renowned kabbalist Isaac Luria. Gabriel's reputation as a scholar and leader earned him recognition, including a mention in Hayyim Vital's esteemed Book of Visions. He received ordination from Jacob Berab II in 1594, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Gabriel played a key role in the Jewish community of Safed, serving as a legal arbiter on the city's beth din and leading the Italian congregation. His responsibilities extended beyond the city, as evidenced by his trip to Sidon in 1603 as an emissary for Safed. As a respected authority, Gabriel's opinions and endorsements carried weight, and his censura were included in various Hebrew publications of the time, such as Yom Tov Tzahalon's She'elot ve-Teshuvot. Through his work and writings, Gabriel left a lasting impact on the Jewish community of his time.