The Jewish Encyclopædia, in its article on Manasseh ben Israel, says: "He was full of cabalistic opinions, though he was careful not to expound them in those of his works that were written in modern languages and intended to be read by Gentiles." In its article on "Magic" the Jewish Encyclopædia refers to the "Nishmat Hayyim," a work by Manasseh ben Israel which "is filled with superstition and magic" and adds that "many Christian scholars were deluded."
- Tovey, Anglia Judaica, p. 259; Margoliouth, History of the Jews in England, II. 3.
- Mirabeau (Sur la Réforme politique des Juifs, 1787) thinks they may not have been allowed to return unconditionally until 1664. It was certainly at this date that they were formally granted free permission to