Samuel David Luzzatto, also known as Shadal, was a prominent Italian Jewish scholar in the 19th century.

In 1976, a movement to introduce intensive Talmud study at Stern College for Women was born, prompted by Dr. Haym Soloveitchik's belief in the importance of women studying Talmud systematically.

Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza's treatise, "Theological-Political Treatise," sparked controversy for its radical theological and political ideas.