MODENA, LEONE. - Rabbi, born in Venice on 23 Apr. 1571, died there on 21 Mar. 1648. Gifted in poetry, he produced translations and original works; he also acquired a solid knowledge of mathematics, philosophy, and natural history. Though the author of a pamphlet against gambling, he was unable to resist this passion; in 1631 he incurred excommunication because of it, which was later lifted.
His most important works are: Beth Fehudhah (also known as Hab-bôneh), in which he expresses his anti-Talmudic tendencies by asserting that rabbis have the right at all times to modify the constitutions of the Talmud. He launched an attack against traditional Judaism in Qôl sâkal, which he himself disavowed in Sa'âghath 'ârjêh. Both works were published in 1852 under the title Bêhînah haq-qabbâlâh. As to both, but especially the latter, doubts later arose as to whether they were truly his. An attack on the Qabbâlâh (v. Cabala) is found in 'Arî nôhêm. Other minor works are of doubtful authenticity.