Essays on the Medieval Period

Learn the untold story of the globetrotting rabbi, whose trip predated Marco Polo.

During the Middle Ages, Christian mobs ravaged dozens of Jewish communities in Europe.

Head of the academy in Sura and prominent Jewish leader in the 10th century CE.

An overview of the history and mystery of the warrior tribe whose leaders chose to adopt Judaism

Discover the incredible tale of Bodo, a Christian deacon who abandoned his faith to embrace Judaism.

A puzzling piece of papyrus leads to a startling discovery.

Rashi did not receive the Torah from G-d at Sinai, nor was he revered as a prophet. Yet 900 years after his passing, we still seek the weekly guidance and inspiration from Rashi’s commentary. What was his secret? And how has the Rebbe revolutionized the study of this ancient work?

Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki was the most important commentator on Talmud and Torah of all times. Living in France and Germany, he left an indelible mark on Ashkenazi scholarship and culture.

Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, Talmudist, Halachist, physician, philosopher and communal leader, known in the Jewish world by the acronym "Rambam" and to the world at large as "Maimonides."

Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (1534-1572), known as the Arizal, was one of the most celebrated Kabbalists of all times, whose teachings and mode of living have left an indelible mark on Jewish mysticism and practice.

A staunch defender of his father and a mystic and scholar in his own right, Avraham Maimonides fused rationalism with mysticism.

Explore the treasures of this unparalleled collection of priceless texts.

Commonly known by the acronym "Ran," he was the leader of Spanish Jewry in the 14th century.