Duran

Duran   Durand , or Durante , Jewish family of scholars. Profiat Isaac ben Moshe ha-Levi Duran, 1350-1414, called Efodi, was born probably in Perpignan, France, but he moved to Catalonia. In 1391, when widespread massacres of Spanish Jews resulted in mass conversions, Duran was one of the many who professed Christianity but in reality remained true to his faith. He ultimately returned openly to Judaism. He wrote a Hebrew grammar and a satiric epistle against Christianity, which was at first accepted by Christian authorities but later burned when its real intent was recognized. Simon ben Zemah Duran, 1361-1444, called Rashbatz, was a poet, physician, and Talmudic authority. He fled Spain after the persecutions of 1391 and became rabbi of Algiers. His writings were notable in the field of Jewish law and philosophy.

Duran, Simeon Ben Zemah, known as Rashbaz (1361–1444). Rabbinic authority and philosopher. He emigrated from Majorca to Algeria in 1391 where he became Chief Rabbi in 1408. He was regarded as a great legal authority and was well-known for his careful judgements. He respected, but did not always agree with, the philosophy of Maimonides. His major philosophical work was Magen Avot (Shield of the Fathers), written as an introduction to Avot. He maintained that many so-called dogmas were open to argument (and substantiation), but that Judaism must insist on three foundational beliefs which were not to be disputed: the existence of God; the divine origin of Torah; and reward and punishment after death.