Isaac Nieto

(1687 - 1773)

Isaac Nieto was the founding rabbi of Shaar Hashamayim, a synagogue in Gibralter that is still in use today. He was a controversial rabbi in London, who once served as the av bet din, but resigned in protest of the appointment of a colleague with whom he vehemently disagreed. During a controversy over ritual slaughter in London, Nieto viciously attacked the bet din, so much so, that he his halachic decisions were ordered to be disregarded. His translations of the daily and High Holy Day liturgy into Spanish were widely recognized.

Sources: This material was originally published in Sparks! - an e-zine for Jewish families located on the Internet at http://www.sparksmag.com