A Living Memory: Immortality for Sarra Copia Sulam

By Kathleen Ann Gonzalez

Denounced for heresy, pressured relentlessly to convert, accused of plagiarism, questioned for her learning, and literally robbed of hundreds of ducats in gold and goods, Sarra Copia Sullam faced travails that would have felled those fainter of heart. As a Jewish scholar in seventeenth century Venice, she had to remain steadfast in her faith while she brought together both Christian and Jewish scholars in her literary salon. The men she jousted with intellectually are the same men who later benefitted from her learning and generosity. Sarra kept her wits about her, utilized her learning, remained devout, and garnered the support of numerous friends and scholars who came to her defense when she was besieged. Her Manifesto and sonnets confirm her sharp intellect and unique voice among Italian writers. The name Sarra means princess, and like one used to being followed, Sarra has inspired others for centuries. Sarra Copia Sulam created a “living memory:” her own immortality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathleen Ann Gonzalez
• Release date: Oct 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370535842

Kathleen Ann Gonzalez

Kathleen Ann Gonzalez has published with various periodicals and on the Internet and has stories in three anthologies. She has independently published four books, First Spritz Is Free, A Beautiful Woman in Venice, A Living Memory: Immortality for Sarra Copia Sulam, Seductive Venice: In Casanova's Footsteps, Free Gondola Ride, and A Small Candle. She contributed to a collaborative book about teaching English, published by Pearson in 2013. Gonzalez is an English teacher and has won various awards and recognition for her work. Passionate about travel, Gonzalez finds any excuse to hop on an airplane, particularly to Venice.

Book preview

A Living Memory: Immortality for Sarra Copia Sulam

by Kathleen Ann González

Copyright 2016 Kathleen Ann Gonzalez

Published by Ca’ Specchio for Smashwords

Also published in paperback by Supernova Edizioni, Venice, Italy, 2016

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Kathleen Ann González, 1965 –

www.kathleenanngonzalez.com

Cover by RJ Wofford II

Photographs of the Palazzo Sullam and the Museo Ebraico by Kathleen Ann González

ISBN 978-88-6869-078-6

Preface

Introduction

Family

Education

Singing

Marriage and Children

Her Name

The Ghetto

The Literary Salon

Letters and Sonnets

The Manifesto

Codice di Giulia Solinga

Poetry

Influence

Conclusion

About the Author

Bibliography

PREFACE

The year 2016 marks the five hundredth anniversary of Venice’s Ghetto, the first such Jewish community. This small neighborhood within the island state of Venice produced remarkable rabbis, scholars, writers, doctors, and business people. One who stands unique is Sarra Copia Sulam, a woman known for her learning, her graciousness, her generosity, and her beauty.

Though many of her writings were lost, scholarship from the last few decades has begun to focus on Sarra’s accomplishments and influence. A handful of scholarly books and articles have been written about her, and I offer this small volume in hopes that all will feel invited to hear Sarra’s story. Rather than write a more formal text, I have opted to refer to her as Sarra in hopes that readers might warm to her as they would to someone they know personally. Sarra Copia Sulam deserves the honor that some tried to deny her during her lifetime. I only hope this book might do her justice.

Believed to be a portrait of Sarra Copia Sulam

INTRODUCTION

Great beauty and perceptive intelligence create an irresistible combination. Queen Esther, whose story is recounted in the Bible’s Old Testament, saved her people from slaughter when she charmed King Ahasuerus. Though born Jewish, Esther hid her religion when she was plucked from the harem to become the king’s new wife. However, when the vengeful prime minister connived to have the king order the massacre of all Jews, Esther revealed her faith, then gently but persuasively convinced her husband to allow the Jews to defend themselves. The revelry known as Purim is still celebrated to this day to honor this vibrant and loyal woman.

Like Queen Esther, Sarra Copia Sulam was also a woman not easily cowed. Although she did not confront a king, Sarra did resist Christian men who publicly criticized her. Denounced for heresy, pressured relentlessly to convert, accused of plagiarism, questioned for her learning, and literally robbed of hundreds of ducats in gold and goods, she faced travails that would have felled those fainter of heart. Yet Sarra kept her wits about her, utilized her learning, remained devout, and inspired the support of numerous friends and scholars who came to her defense. Her name means princess, and like one used to being followed, Sarra rose above