Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/04-08.html

www.scjfaq.org/faq

Question 4.8:
Who was Rashi?

Rabbi Shlomo Ben Yitzchak, 1040-1105. Usually called Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki. He was the author of a massive commentary on almost all of Tanach and most of the Talmud. His fame rests not only on the content of his explanations but on their style that remains clear and concise throughout. His commentary has become the most comprehensive and popular in existence and provided the basis for most subsequent studies of the Tanach, Talmud, and Jewish Law.

His commentary on Chumash, first printed in 1465, was the first dated Hebrew book, and appears in a special script now know as "Rashi script". His commentaries are considered the standard work without which it is impossible to understand the Talmud.

See also: Section 3.18. Torah: What is Rashi's commentary on the Talmud?

The FAQ is a collection of documents that is an attempt to answer questions that are continually asked on the soc.culture.jewish family of newsgroups. It was written by cooperating laypeople from the various Judaic movements. You should not make any assumption as to accuracy and/or authoritativeness of the answers provided herein. In all cases, it is always best to consult a competent authority--your local rabbi is a good place to start.

Hopefully, the FAQ will provide the answer to your questions. If it doesn't, please drop Email to questions@scjfaq.org. The FAQ maintainer will endeavor to direct your query to an appropriate individual that can answer it. If you would like to be part of the group to which the maintainer directs questions, please drop a note to the FAQ maintainer at maintainer@scjfaq.org.

© (c) 1993-2004 Daniel P. Faigin <maintainer@scjfaq.org>