Manasseh ben Israel

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Manasseh ben Israel (1604–57). Jewish scholar. He founded the first Hebrew printing-press in Amsterdam. He himself was the author of several theological works, including Piedra Gloriosa which was illustrated with engravings by Rembrandt who also painted his portrait. He dedicated his Esperanca De Israel to the English Parliament in 1650 and was closely involved in the negotiations to readmit Jews to England in the Commonwealth period.

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