Childhood and Family: Angela of Foligno and Abraham ben samuel Abulafia

Angela of Foligno: 

Angela of Foligno, honored now as Saint Angela of Foligno, was an Italian Christian mystic that lived in the 13th century. Angela’s birthdate is unknown, but it is estimated that she was born around the year 1248. She was born in Foligno, Italy and would reside there for the rest of her life. Angela died in Foligno, Italy on January 3, 1309. Much of Angela’s early life is a mystery, however there are a few assumptions made. Angela probably grew up with a rather wealthy family in Foligno. This is not the norm, as there was a lot of noted destruction that occurred in Italy, from war to natural disasters. This destruction left numerous families in pain or suffering. Angela would go on and marry a wealthy man as well, and she would have children. There is not enough information when it comes to anyone in her family, such as her parents, husband, and children. However, Angela would recount how the loss of her mother, husband, and children in such a close span of time would lead her to focus on her religious calling. She went from a person who valued wealth and power to someone who sold all her possessions and focused on helping others in need. Her early life was impactful towards her later practices and beliefs.  

Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia:  

Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia, often referred to as Abraham Abulafia, was a Jewish mystic. Jewish mysticism is called Kabbalah. Abraham was born around the year 1240 in Saragoza, Spain. In his younger years, his family would move him to a neighboring city called Tedula. There is not much information found when it comes to Abraham’s mother or if he had siblings. Abraham’s father, Samuel would become his teacher once they moved to Tedula. Samuel would teach Abraham both the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud. The teachings stopped in 1258, Samuel passed away from old age (at least that is what is presumed). After this, Abraham would begin his life traveling and learning from the people he met along the way. The death of his father impacted him, allowing for him to begin his journey to find himself, which allowed him to explore various religious and linguistic viewpoints. He even began teaching people in the way his father used to teach him. His childhood would go on to impact Abraham, it would allow him to explore more of who he was while taking into account the teachings of his father, and how he can incorporate his own teachings into the material. He would go on to instruct various people such as Joseph ben Abraham Gikatilla, who would be inspired by Abraham in numerous ways.  

 

References: 

Heffernan, C. F. (2019). Angela of Foligno: Her Mystical Experience and Her Influence. Magistra, 25(1), 49–61. 

Idel, M. (2007). Abulafia, Abraham ben Samuel. In M. Berenbaum & F. Skolnik (Eds.), Encyclopaedia Judaica (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 337-339). Macmillan Reference USA. https://link-gale-com.berea.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/CX2587500321/GVRL?u=berea&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=b079ab20