Natan Spira (1585–1633)

Kabbalist, rabbi and preacher. Natan lived in Kazimierz, at the time a separate borough near Kraków, in the garret of the Na Górce Synagogue (Auf 'n' Bergel, today's ulica Szeroka 22). There was always a small candle burning in his window, which according to legend died out one night, at the moment of Natan's death. Known as M'galeh Amukot, that is "the one unveiling secrets", Natan Spira is generally believed to have died of exhaustion with his mental work. He was buried at the Remuh Cemetery in ul. Szeroka, where a fragment of his 17th-century tombstone has been preserved to this day. A new, replacement tombstone was made after the end of the second world war. The inscription that decorates it says that he "spoke face-to-face with the prophet Elijah". Some say that the light of a little candle is still visible at night in the garret of the townhouse at ulica Szeroka 22.



Title page of Megale Amukot - the most well-known work by Natan Spira, published in Lublin in 1884