Rashi: The Greatest Exegete

by Maurice Liber, Tzvee Zahavy (Foreword)

The paradigmatic master of medieval rabbinic commentary was Rashi (Rabbi Solomon b. Isaac, 1040-1105) a scholar from the north of France. While he is often credited with the move to “literal commentary” in medieval times, even a cursory study of his commentaries reveals how indebted he was to the rabbinic exegesis of the earlier classical compilations. With Rashi we witness the mature development of a new paradigm of interpretation. He delicately balances his interpretations between gloss and exposition. He picks at and edits the earlier Midrash materials and weaves together with them into his commentary the results of new discoveries, such as philology and grammar. His main proposition is hardly radical within rabbinism. He accepts that there is one whole Torah of Moses consisting of the oral and written traditions and texts. In his commentaries he accomplished the nearly seamless integration of the basics of both bodies of tradition.

Genres: Judaism, History, Religion, Biography

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Historian and rabbi.

Reviews

[Alan Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rashi (1040-1105) was a highly influential rabbinic scholar from the north of France. He is mainly remembered for his commentaries on the Bible and Talmud. Rashi declared that Midrashic interpretation is irreconcilable with the natural meaning or with the laws of grammar. He did not see in the Bible a literary or philosophic masterpiece. At the time the church interpretation depended largely on symbolism and allegory. Nicholas of Lyra (1292-1340) brought Rashi's methods into Christianity.

"Rashi could easily dispose of the stupid or extravagant inventions of Christian exegesis."
Liber, Maurice. Rashi: The Greatest Exegete (Annotated) (p. 67). Talmudic Books. Kindle Edition.

"It is known that Luther had large knowledge of the Hebrew and a strong feeling for it, a quality he owed to Nicholas de Lyra and, through him, to the Jewish exégètes, although his scornful pride would never permit him to concede that “Rashi and the Tossafists made Nicholas de Lyra and Nicholas de Lyra made Luther.”"
Liber, Maurice. Rashi: The Greatest Exegete (Annotated) (p. 116). Talmudic Books. Kindle Edition.

"By a curious turn in affairs it was the Christians who in the province of exegesis took up the legacy bequeathed by Rashi."
Liber, Maurice. Rashi: The Greatest Exegete (Annotated) (p. 124). Talmudic Books. Kindle Edition.

[Richard Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rashi closely Examined

As a rabbi, having heard the name Rashi since childhood, I was very happy to find this obviously learned rendition of the Talmudic Master. Although I have a number of commenters are hand, I look forward to reading Rashi's commentaries on Scriptures with great delight and anticipation...

[Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and well-written biography of a very influential Medieval rabbi. Rashi is very important to students of the Bible and Bible translations as he was very influential in Christian circles hundreds of years ago and one of the most popular Jewish Bibles of today is said to be practically Rashi's commentary. Rashi is important to know for all students of the Bible.

[Harriet Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rashi

Rashi by Maurice Liber. Is an interesting book. But, it is difficult. I might have to read it again. I think that it is important to read this book. I highly recommend this book.