Biographical Notes on Torah Scholars and Works

Chida - R’ Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), Jerusalem, Africa, and Europe; Jerusalem-born scholar and pioneer in the publication of Jewish religious writings. Elected in 1755 to become an emissary for the small Jewish community in Israel; would travel around Europe extensively, making an impression in every Jewish community that he visited.

Rashi - R’ Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105), Troyes, France. "Rabban Shel Yisrael" - The great Rishon who wrote commentary on all areas of Torah.

Alter of Kelm - R’ Simcha Zissel Ziv Broida (1824-1898), Kelmė, Lithuania; One of the foremost students of R’ Yisrael Salanter and one of the early leaders of the Musar movement. His students include R’ Yeruchom Levovitz, the Mashgiach of Mir, and R’ Nosson Tzvi Finkel of Slabodka.

Ba’al HaTurim - Rabbi Jacob ben Asher (1269-1343), Spain; Composer of Arba’ah Turim, tracing Halacha from the Torah through Talmud and early Poskim. Many commentaries were written on the Tur, including R’ Yosef Karo’s “Beit Yosef” which formed the basis of the Shulchan Arukh.

Hamaor Shebatorah - Compiled by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Havlin. Presents selections from the Lubavitcher Rebbe`s talks on weekly Parsha.

Mechilta D’Rashbi - The Mechilta of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai is a Halakic midrash on Shemot from the school of Rabbi Akiva, attributed to R’ Shimon ben Yochai.

Zohar - Central work of mystical tradition of Kabbalah. Traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. First appeared in 13th-century Spain.

Midrash HaGadol - A work of aggaddic midrash written by Rabbi David Adani of Yemen (14th century).

Da’at Shraga - R’ Tzvi Shraga Grossbard (1916-1993), Lithuania, Israel; Studied at Lomza yeshiva in Petach Tikvah, and formed a tight bond with Rav Eliyahu Dessler. Head of "Chinuch Atzmai" - Israel’s Independent Religious Schools System.

Tosfot - Members of a school of Torah and Talmudic interpretation, 12th and 13th century France and Germany.

Ramchal - Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746), Venice. Italy; Author of Messilat Yesharim.