Menahem Recanati

Menahem ben Benjamin Recanati (1223–1290) was an Italian rabbi and kabbalist. He was born and died in Recanati. Recanati devoted the chief part of his writings to the Kabbalah. His notable works include a kabbalistic commentary on the Torah, titled *Perush 'Al ha-Torah*, which was published in Venice in 1523 and later translated into Latin by Pico di Mirandola. He also authored commentaries on the siddur and discussions on the commandments, published as *Perush ha-Tefillot* and *Ṭa'ame ha-Miẓwot*. In addition to his mystical writings, Recanati also produced halachic rulings collected in *Piskei Recanati*. His work was influenced by German and Spanish kabbalistic traditions, and he sought to support Kabbalah with philosophical arguments. Although he had a reputation for sanctity, his influence on his contemporaries was less significant than his impact on later generations.