Spinoza

myminifactory

Antokolsky felt an intense inner connection between himself and Spinoza, whose dual identity mirrored his own: both challenged tradition, becoming outsiders within their communities. A descendant of marranos who converted during the Spanish Inquisition but practiced Judaism in secret or later returned to it, Spinoza grew up in a deeply religious household and was educated to become a rabbi. However, he became drawn to secular subjects, particularly philosophy, and began questioning aspects of his faith. Accused of betraying Judaism and becoming an atheist, he was excommunicated at 24 years old, later exiled from Amsterdam. Despite never abandoning Judaism or changing religions, his unconventional views threatened the Jewish community still recovering from the Spanish Inquisition and concerned with reviving and maintaining traditions.