Samuel Ben Meir Ha-Levi Abulafia

Samuel was a Spanish financier and philanthropist born in the Abu-l-Afiyat family of Tunisian Jewish origins.

He served as the financial adviser to Pedro the Cruel of Castille, and later as his treasurer. He was also the King’s supporter in the revolt of Spanish nobles in 1354. By reforming the Kingdom’s finances, he contributed to creating of more secure foundation of the monarchy. Also, he used his position for family benefit and appointed its members in position of political and financial influence.

He also served as a diplomat in King’s service, being sent to Portugal in 1358 to negotiate a political agreement between the two kingdoms.

Samuel was also known for his charity aspirations. He endowed several synagogues in Castille including the magnificent one still standing in Toledo (later the Church of El Transito) with florid Hebrew inscriptions in his honor. His imposing palace in Toledo is today Museo de El Greco.

In 1360 he was arrested by the King’s order and tortured to death in Seville. After his death, the Crown confiscated his considerable wealth, as well as that of his relatives. After the expulsion of Jews in 1492, members of the family spread throughout Orient where they became known as renowned rabbis, mystics, scholars and poets.