MODENA, LEONE. - Rabbi, b. in Venice on 23 Apr. 1571, d. there on 21 March 1648. Highly gifted for poetry, he produced translations and original works; he also acquired a good knowledge of mathematics, philosophy, and natural history. Although the author of a pamphlet against gambling, he nevertheless did not resist this passion; because of it, in 1631 he was struck with excommunication, which was later lifted.
His most important works are: Bèth Jèhùdhàh (also known as Hab-bòneh), in which he displays his anti-Talmudic tendencies, maintaining that rabbis have the right at all times to alter the constitutions of the Talmud. He launched an attack against traditional Judaism in Qál sàbàl, which he himself repudiated in Sa'ághath 'árjèh. Both works were published in 1852 under the title Bèhlnàth haq-qabbàlàh. With regard to both, but especially to the latter, doubts subsequently arose as to whether they were truly attributable to M. An attack on the Qabbàlàh (v. CABALA) is found in 'Arl nùhèm. Other minor works are of doubtful authenticity.