Isaac Nieto facts for kids

Isaac Nieto (born 1702, died 1774) was an important Jewish leader, known as a Haham (which is like a chief rabbi). He served the Portuguese Jewish community in London at the Bevis Marks Synagogue. Isaac was the son of another famous Haham, David Nieto. He officially became "ḥakham ha-shalem" in 1733. However, he left this role in 1741 and traveled abroad. When he returned in 1747, he started working as a notary, which is someone who can legally witness signatures and documents.

Isaac Nieto's Life and Work

Isaac Nieto played a key role in Jewish communities in both London and Gibraltar. His work included leading congregations and translating important religious texts.

Becoming Gibraltar's First Rabbi

In 1749, Isaac Nieto made history by becoming Gibraltar's very first Rabbi. He traveled there from London and helped establish the Shaar Hashamayim congregation. This synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, is the oldest one in Gibraltar.

Return to London and Later Years

In 1751, the Jewish community in London asked Isaac Nieto to return and take on a new leadership role. He became the "ab bet din," which means the head of a religious court. His colleagues in this court were Isaac de Valle and Jacob Coronel.

A few years later, there was a disagreement about the roles and titles of the members of the religious court. Because of this, Nieto wrote a letter of resignation on March 17, 1757. On July 14 of that same year, he was no longer allowed to perform his duties as an assessor (a judge) in the court. He passed away in London in 1774.

Isaac Nieto's Published Works

Isaac Nieto was also known for his writings and translations. On February 6, 1756, he gave a sermon called Sermon Moral. This was on a special day of fasting and prayer ordered by the king. The sermon was published in both Spanish and English in London that same year.

He is perhaps best known for his translations of Jewish prayer books. These translations were published in two volumes:

• Orden de las Oraciones de Ros Ashanah y Kipur (London, 1740)
• Orden de las Oraciones Cotidianas, Ros Hodes Hanuca y Purim (London, 1771)

His translations were very important and became the basis for many later translations of prayer books, including those by Pinto and by A. and D. da Sola.