Abraham Vita Reggio

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Abraham Vita Reggio was born in Ferrara in 1755 to a family that had historically come from Reggio Calabria. In a difficult position economically, his parents were unable to fund his religious training. He was, therefore, self-taught and sought to learn as much as possible from the figures he met throughout the course of his life. 

In 1775 he moved to Fogliano, in Friuli, to become a tutor for the grandchildren of Rabbi Shelomoh ben Yishaq Lampronti, who was one of his teachers. 

He attended the Synagogue in Gradisca d’Isonzo, where he met the Rabbi Abramo Morpurgo, who acted as his guide and mentor. 

Around 1783 it was suggested that he should become the new teacher at the public Jewish School in Gorizia, which had recently opened. In the same year he married the daughter of Rabbi Morpurgo, Malkà/Regina. While he taught the boys, she saw to the education of the girls, after having created a private school in their house within the Synagogue building. 

In 1803 he was appointed Rabbi in Gorizia. He had various important roles within the Jewish Community, dedicating himself in particular to education and charitable works. 

In 1830 he became Rabbi of Gorizia and Gradisca, following the union of the two Communities.  

He died on 23 December 1841 and is buried in the Jewish Cemetery Rožna Dolina.

SOURCES: 

Giuseppe Bolaffio, Abram Vita Reggio, in “La Rassegna Mensile di Israel”, third series, Vol. 23, No. 5 (May 1957), pp. 204-217

https://www.dizionariobiograficodeifriulani.it/reggio-abraham-vita-hay-ben-azriel/

Translation from Italian to English by Bethany Gaunt