Who is Baruch Spinoza from The Story of Philosophy and what is their importance?

Baruch Spinoza is born in 1632 and lives until 1677. He is born into the Espinoza family of Portuguese Jews. Baruch Spinoza becomes one of the greatest modern philosophers. His father is a successful merchant. Baruch is not interested in his father's business. He prefers to spend time in the synagogue studying religion and his Jewish background.