The Secret Jewish History of Nostradamus

This July 2 will mark the 450th anniversary of the death of Nostradamus (1503–1566), the French apothecary and supposed seer of Jewish origin. Born Michel de Nostredame in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, his most famous work was “The Prophecies,” a collection of four-line texts that purported to tell the future. A recent translation by Richard Sieburth reminds us that Nostradamus’ lines seem to mean everything and nothing, which may be why he has been credited with foretelling the Great Fire of London, 9/11, Princess Diana’s death, and many other tragic events. A sample: