This is the Montefiore Windmill, which is not in Livorno but in Yemin Moshe, an old neighborhood in Jerusalem. The windmill was funded by the British Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore, who devoted his life to promoting industry, education and health in the Holy Land.Moses Montefiore may be rightly considered British but he was surely born in Livorno in 1784, where he began his career as an apprentice to a firm of grocers and tea merchants.
A pair of plaques commemorate him on the wall of the community building, next to the Synagogue.
To the perpetual remembrance
that on 24 October 1784 here was born
Sir Moses Montefiore
in Syria, Russia, Morocco, Romania
tireless apostle of tolerance
to any kind of misfortunes
without distinction of country or persuasion
widely merciful
Died in Ramsgate on 28 July 1885
Honored by the powerful blessed by the poors
Plaque recovered from the nearby house
where Sir Moses Montefiore was born
Placed here on 21-2-1965
that on 24 October 1784 here was born
Sir Moses Montefiore
in Syria, Russia, Morocco, Romania
tireless apostle of tolerance
to any kind of misfortunes
without distinction of country or persuasion
widely merciful
Died in Ramsgate on 28 July 1885
Honored by the powerful blessed by the poors
Plaque recovered from the nearby house
where Sir Moses Montefiore was born
Placed here on 21-2-1965
One hundred years after the end
of the long and full life
be blessed the memory
of Sir Moses Montefiore
27 October 1985
12 Cheswan 5746
World Sephardi Federation
of the long and full life
be blessed the memory
of Sir Moses Montefiore
27 October 1985
12 Cheswan 5746
World Sephardi Federation
See also: Synagogue of Livorno - Inside the Synagogue - Rejoicing of the Law
21 comments:
Wonderful post.
Industry, education and health--all good things to promote. Thanks for the info. MB
Sounds like he lived out the Jewish mandate of tikkun olan. And what a wonderful tribute...what more can anyone wish for?
Someone of whom the Livornese (sp?) can be justifiably proud!
Great post. Thanks.
What an admirable man. Thank you for introducing him to us.
He sure knew the secret to a long life.
I hope that Dina doesn't miss this post. Sounds like a man that Livorno — and other cities — can truly be proud of.
Fascinating to learn about people who leave a lasting legacy long after they're gone.
No kidding! Moshe Montefiore grew up in Livorno?? Now I see where he got his inspiration to do such good things in the world.
What a great link between your city and mine.
Fine words of tribute, thanks for translating.
Thank goodness for great men.
Great tribut to great man - wonderful post!
Montefiore of the famous Montefiore schools? Had no idea he was from Livorno.
A very cool crossover post!
What a very dedicated person! Is he very famous in Livorno?
@ Kaori - Absolutely not, if you aren't a football star you have no chance here now...
That's a great old windmill, much more on the dutch style than the portuguese do.
LOL @ your comment, VP! Same here if you don't run after a ball! Especially now as the World Cup is about to begin... I love South Africa and would really like to see it more on the news for other matters once so much is going on there!
A very interesting post today.
An early international philanthropist. Very nice to remember, and the wording on the plaques is especially interesting and different. You did some good research here.
Oh this is good! I lived in the shadow of the windmill in Yemin Moshe for several years, and I was actually there when they celebrated his 200th birthday in 84. Memories are rising from the cobwebbed corners of my mind. Thanks, VP!
Very interesting subject!What a beautiful homage for this important man.
That windmill is adorable, I loved those stones :)
Léia
This is a name I know very well. The main Jewish old age home in Sydney was named after Sir Moses Montefiore who devoted his time and resources to the community, civic affairs and welfare of the Jewish People. It opened its doors in 1889. The main Jewish old age home in Melbourne, also named for Montefiore, is even bigger and even more important.
But I had not heard of the Livorno connection. So thanks.
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