Author of Shiltei Giborim
Son of Rav Dovid
An Italian scholar born in Mantuba 1542 ש''ב
His family name, Portleona, was Hebraicized as Shaar-Aryeh. He studied under Rav Yaakov Fano of Bologna and especially under Rav Avrohom Provencali who taught him Talmud as well as Latin and logic.
He also studied medicine and philosophy in the University of Pavia and was awarded his diploma graduating in 1563 .שכ''ג
He was well known as an expert physician. At the request of one of the dukes, he authored two volumes in Latin on medicine, part of which details the use of gold in healing. The Pope Gregory XIV granted him a special license to practice medicine, even allowing him to treat gentiles.
He authored the sefer, Shiltei Gibborim, his magnum opus. This work discusses (in its own description): “the shape and construction of the Bais HaMikdash; the eight priestly vestments of the Kohen Gadol; the stones of the choshen and their segulos and properties; the avodah of the Leviim and the art of music and song as well as instruments, such as the thirty-six instruments that Dovid HaMelech knew to play; all the concepts of the korbanos-- the sacrificial offerings and the nature of animals, birds, and beasts; and of languages, warfare, and weaponry.
He passed away on 29 Tammuz 1612 שע''ב.
