Rabbi Moses David Valle (Ramdav) and his Position in Luzzatto’s Group

This chapter analyses an appendix to the rules of Rabbi Moses Hayim Luzzatto's 'holy society' in Padua, which prescribes the order in which seven members were to be seated at the table when they were engaged in their joint studies. It looks at the letters dating from the end of 5489 to Av 5490 that deal with the first stage of Luzzatto's activities, culminating in his being investigated and obliged to capitulate in Padua. It also cites retrospective information about the seven members of the group in a letter from Luzzatto to his teacher that was written in Tevet 5490. The chapter recounts how Luzzatto's group did not disband and how he continued to be their teacher and leader in spite of the severe restrictions imposed on him in Av 5490. It talks about R. Moses David Valle, who was connected with the controversies surrounding Luzzatto but was unknown to the general public.