Moses Zarzal

Moses Zarzal was a notable figure in 14th-century Spain, excelling in both literature and medicine. As a converso, he navigated the complexities of his Jewish heritage in a predominantly Christian society. His professional accomplishments earned him a prestigious position as physician to King Henry III of Castile, a testament to his medical expertise.

Zarzal's literary endeavors are also noteworthy, with poems in Castillian attributed to him, although the certainty of his authorship is a subject of debate. One such poem is believed to have been written on the occasion of the birth of Henry's son, the future John II of Castile. Furthermore, Zarzal's reputation as a literary figure is underscored by his association with Profiat Duran, who dedicated his Hebrew almanac, The Girdle of the Ephod, to him in 1395. This dedication suggests that Zarzal was held in high esteem by his contemporaries, and his influence extended beyond the realm of medicine to the literary circles of his time.