Isaac the Jew

Isaac was born in Narbonne, (modern day France) to Natronai II Ibn Habibai, who was the Exilarch of Pumbeditha & Almeria, his mother was the daughter of Eleazar ben Kalir. Isaac's brother, Makhir of Narbonne would go on to lead the Jewish community of Narbonne. In his adult years, Isaac became a prominent merchant in the Frankish lands, eventually gaining the attention of Charlemagne who took a liking to the young Jew. Isaac was first employed by Charlemagne to go to the holy land and bring back precious merchandise, this was greatly successful and strengthened relations between the two men.[3]

A picture of Abul-Abbas from 11th century Spain

in 797 Isaac, alongside two other diplomats (Lantfroi and Sigismond) were sent to Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Abbasid Caliph. The diplomatic mission was highly rewarding and was important in fortifying Abbasid–Carolingian relations. The Caliph gifted an Asian elephant named Abul- Abbas to Charlemagne. Being the only surviving member of the group, Isaac was sent back with the elephant. The two began the trek back by following the Egyptian coast into Ifriqiya (modern Algeria and Tunisia). Possibly with the help of Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab, Isaac set sail with Abul-Abbas from the city of Kairouan and traveled the remaining miles to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. They landed in Genoa in October 801. The two spent the winter in Vercelli, and in the spring they started the march over the Alps to the Emperor's residence in Aachen, arriving on 1 July, 802. Abul-Abbas was exhibited on various occasions when the court was assembled, and was eventually housed in Augsburg in what is now southern Bavaria.

Isaac died c. 836 in Nantes, and was remembered warmly by the Frankish Jews. He had one son Yehudah Zakkai ben Yitzhak and his descendants would become prominent members thorough out Francia.[1][4] Most Rabbinic dynasty's can count Issac as one of their ancestors, and many more use their descent from him to prove a connection to the Davidic line.[1]