David Nieto

David Nieto (1654 – 10 January 1728) was the Hakham of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community in London. Born in Venice, he first practiced as a physician and officiated as a Jewish preacher in Livorno, Italy. In 1702, he succeeded Solomon Ayllon as the ecclesiastical chief of the Portuguese Jews in London. Nieto was a versatile scholar, distinguished as a philosopher, physician, poet, mathematician, astronomer, and theologian. He was a prolific writer, with his works encompassing theological treatises, such as "Della Divina Providencia, ó sea Naturalezza Universal, ó Natura Naturante" (London, 1704), where he discussed God's action in governing natural phenomena. This work led to accusations of Spinozism but was ultimately defended by Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi. Nieto also authored "Matteh Dan," a defense of the Oral Torah, and "Esh Dat," opposing the followers of Sabbatai Zevi. He was known for his extensive connections with Christian scholars, including the bibliographer Karel Rafael Ungar. Nieto was the first to establish the precise time for the beginning of Sabbath eve for the latitude of England. He died in London and is buried in the Velho Cemetery in Mile End. He was succeeded by his son, Isaac Nieto.