Rashi

Shlomo Yitzchaki
22 February 1040 – 13 July 1105

רבי שלמה יצחקי‬‎

Generally known by the acronym “Rashi” ( רש”י‬, RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), was a medieval French rabbi and author of a comprehensive commentary on the Talmud and commentary on the TaNaCh. Acclaimed for his ability to present Rashithe basic meaning of the text in a concise and lucid fashion, Rashi appeals to both learned scholars and beginner students, and his works remain a centerpiece of contemporary Jewish study.

His commentary on the Talmud, which covers nearly all of the Babylonian Talmud (a total of 30 out of 39 tractates, due to his death), has been included in every edition of the Talmud since its first printing by Daniel Bomberg in the 1520s. His commentary on TaNaCh—especially on the Chumash (“Five Books of Moses”)— serves as the basis for more than 300 commentaries which analyze Rashi’s choice of language and citations, penned by some of the greatest names in rabbinic literature.