DEL MEDIGO, ELIA. — Philosopher and Talmudist, born in Candia (for which reason he is often called Helias Cretensis) around 1460, died there around 1493. Alongside a strictly Jewish education, he acquired a broad classical culture. He visited various Italian cities, such as Padua and Florence, where he taught philosophy.
Among his disciples was Pico della Mirandola (v.), with whom he remained bound by close friendship. In his numerous publications he adhered to the most authentic Jewish tradition, polemicizing against the Karaites and the Kabbalists. In philosophy he followed Maimonides and Averroes. His principal work is an apology for the Jewish religion, written in Hebrew, Bèhlath had-dèth (“Examination of Religion”). Through his writings in Latin he contributed effectively to making the philosophical thought of medieval Judaism known to Christians.