Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet
(Rashba)
1235-1310
(Picture of Grave)

Rabbi Nathan Adler
1741-1800

Born: 1741 (Frakfurt, Germany)
Died: 1800 (Frakfurt, Germany)
Teacher(s): Jacob Joshua, David Tevele
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He was the rabbi of Boskowitz, Moravia. He was a Kabbalist.

Rabbi Yom Tov ben Abraham Asevilli
(Ritva)
1250-1330

Born: c.1250 (Seville, Spain)
Died: c. 1330 (Seville, Spain)
Teachers: Rabbi Aharon HaLevi, Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet
Writing(s): commentary on the Talmud
Miscellaneous: He was the head of the Seville Yeshiva.

Rabbi Yitzchak al-Fasi
(Rif)
1013—1103
(Picture)

Born: 1013 (Kal'a, Algeria)
Died: 1103 (Spain)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Chananel ben Chushuel Gaon (Yeshiva of Kairuwan)
Writing(s): Sefer HaHalachot
Miscellaneous: He was forced to flee with his family to Fez, Morocco by radical Muslims and became head of the community and the Yeshiva in Fez. He was forced by the government, after false accussations, to flee to Spain where he lived until his death.

Rabbi Moshe Alshich
1508-1593

Born: 1508 (Adrianople, Turkey)
Died: 1593 (Damascus, Syria)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Yosef Caro and Rabbi Yosef Taitatzak
Writing(s): Torat Moshe
Miscellaneous: He served as a judge in Rabbi Caro's rabbinic court.

Rabbi Bachya ben Asher
(Rabbeinu Bachya)
c.1263-1340

Born: c. 1263 (Saragossa, Spain)
Died: 1340
Teacher(s): Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet
Writing(s): Midrash Rabbeinu Bachya, Kad HaKemach, and Ohel Moed
Miscellaneous: He served as dayan (rabbinical judge) in Saragossa, Spain. He was the first to build his commentary on PaRDeS - Peshat (the plain text), Remez (philosophy), Derash (midrashic, homiletic approach), and Sod (Kabbalah).

Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher
(Baal Haturim, the Tur)
c.1275—1343
(Picture)

Born: c. 1275 (Germany)
Died: 1343 on his journey to Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel)
Teacher(s): Tabbi Asher ben Yechiel (the Rosh)
Writing(s): Arbaah Turim and a commentary on the Torah
Miscellaneous: He later moved with his father to Toledo, Spain where he devoted himself to Torah study.

Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar
(Or Hachaim)
1696-1743
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1696 (Mequenez, Morocco)
Died: 1743 (Jersualem)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Or Ha-Chayyim
Miscellaneous: He became the leader of a Yeshiva in Livorno, Italy. In 1742, he arrived in Jerusalem where he became the leader at the Bet HaMidrash Keneset Yisrael.

Rabbi Ovadiah ben Avraham of Bartenura
(Rav, the Bartenura)
c.1445-c.1510

Born: c. 1445 (Italy)
Died: c. 1510 (Jerusalem, Israel)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Joseph ben Solomon Colon
Writing(s): Commentary of the Mishnah, Amar Naki
Miscellaneous: He became rabbi of Bertinoro and Castello, Italy. In 1488 he arrived in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) and founded a Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin
(the Netziv)
1817-1893
(Picture)

Born: 1817
Died: 1893
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Ha'emek Davar, Meishiv Davar, a commentary on the Song of Songs, and Meromei Sadeh
Miscellaneous: He was leader of the Volozhin Yeshiva in Russia until the government closed it in 1892. He was an early supporter of the resettling of Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel).

Rabbi Yaakov ibn Chaviv
(Ein Yaakov)
c.1445-1516

Born: c. 1445
Died: 1516
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Compendium of the Aggadah
Miscellaneous: In 1492 (after the Spanish expulsion of the Jews), he moved to Salonika, Protugal.

Rabbi Avraham ben David of Posquieres
(Ravad III)
c.1120—1198

Born: c. 1120 (Provence, France)
Died: November 27, 1198 (Posquieres, France)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Temim De'im, Orot Hayyim, Shibbale ha-Leket, Sefer Ba'ale haNefesh, Commentary on Torat Kohanim, Commentary on the Talmud
Miscellaneous: He was the director on the Rabbinical School of Nimes.

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler
(1891-1954)
(Picture)

Born: 1891 (Libau, Lithuania)
Died: 1954
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Michtav Me'Eliyahu (published in English as Strive for Truth)
Miscellaneous: He became leader of the Gateshead Kollel in England in the early 1940's. In the late 1940's he became the spiritual counsellor and lecturer on ethical issues at the Ponevezh yeshiva in the Israeli town of Bnei Berak.

Rabbi Akiva Eger
(Maharal)
1761-1837
(Picture)

Born: November 8, 1761 (Eisensadt, Hungary)
Died: October 12, 1837 (Posen, Poland)
Teachers: Rabbi Wolf Eger, Mattersdorf Yeshiva, Breslau Yeshiva
Writing(s): Chilluka de-Rabbanan, Responsa Warsaw, Derush we-Chiddush, Glosses on the Talmud,Tosafot, Chiddushe Rabbi Akiba Eger, Notes on the Shulchan 'Aruk and Yoreh De'ah, in the edition of Königsberg, Notes on Shulchan 'Aruk and Orach Chayyim, Notes on Shulchan 'Aruk and Choshen Mishpat and Eben ha-'Ezer, a further collection of Responsa
Miscellaneous: From 1791-1815 he was the rabbi of in Markisch Friedland, West Prussia. From 1816-1837 he was rabbi of Posen, Poland.

Rabbi Shemuel Eliezer Eidels
(Maharsha)
1555-1631

Born: 1555 (Krakow, Poland)
Died: 1631
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Chiddushei Halachot and Chiddushei Aggadot
Miscellaneous: He established a Yeshiva in Posen, Poland.

Rabbi Shlomoh Efraim of Luntchitz
(Kli Yakar)
1550-1619

Born: 1550 (Lunchitz, Poland)
Died: 1619 (Prague, Bohemia)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Shlomo Luria
Writing(s): Kli Yakar
Miscellaneous: He was the leader of the Yeshivah in Lvov, Poland and the appointed rabbi of Prague, Poland where he sat on the rabbinical cout.

Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna
(the Vilna Gaon)
1720-1797
(Picture)

Born: 1720 (Vilna, Lithuania)
Died:
Teacher(s): Rabbi Moses Margalit
Writing(s): Commentaries on the Mishnah, Tanach, and Kabbalah
Miscellaneous: By three years of age he had committed the Hebrew Scripture to memory and by age seven, he was taught Talmud which he had committed to memory by age eleven. He returned to Vilna in 1748 where he was sought out as a decisor on halachah.

Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra
c.1089-1167
(Picture)

Born: c. 1089 (Navarra, Spain)
Died: 1797 (Southern France)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Books on Hebrew grammar and commentaries on most of the Tanach
Miscellaneous: After leaving Spain (before 1140) he wandered through Africa, Palestine, Egypst, and parts of Europe before returning to Southern France.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein
(Reb Moshe)
1895—1986
(Picture)

Born: 1895 (Uzdan, Belarus)
Died: March 23, 1986 (New York)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Iggeroth Moshe
Miscellaneous: He was rabbi in Luban, Russia until increasing pressure from the Russian government forced him and his family to move to New York City in 1935. He became the head of Yeshiva Mesivta Tiferes Jerusalem and rabbinical head of Agudath Israel of America.

Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried
(Kitzur Shulchan Aruch)
1804—1886
(Picture)

Born: 1804 (Uzhhorod, Hungary)
Died: 1886
Teacher(s): Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Heller
Writing(s): Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh, Kesset HaSofer, Pnei Shlomo, and Torat Zevach
Miscellaneous: In 1843 he became rabbi of Brezevitz and in 1849 he became a judge in the rabbinical court in Ungavar.

Rabbi Yonah ben Abraham Gerondi
(Yonah of Gerona)
d.1263

Born:
Died: November, 1263 (Toledo, Spain)
Teachers: Solomon of Montpellier
Writing(s): Chiddushim, Iggeret ha-Teshuva, Shaare Teshuva, and Sefer ha-Yirah
Miscellaneous: In 1233, he was one of the instigators of the public book burning of Maimonides' works in Paris. Upon seeing the Talmud publicly burned in the same place, he retracted his banning of Maimonides' works.

Rabbi Chaim Yosef Gottlieb of Stropkov
(the Stropkover Rav)
1790-1867

Born: 1790
Died: 1867
Teacher(s): Rabbi Moshe Sofer
Writing(s): Wrote extensively on halachah and Kabbalah - only his work Tiv Gittin ve-Kiddushin has survived
Miscellaneous: He became a rabbinial court judge and teacher in Tertzal, Hungary. In 1847 he became the chief rabbi and head of the rabbinical court of Stropkov, Slovakia.

Rabbi Shabtai HaKohen
(Shach)
1621—1662

Born: 1621 (Vilna, Lithuania)
Died: 1662 (Holleschau, Moravia)
Teacher(s): He studied in Tyktizin, Cracow, and Lublin
Writing(s): Sifte Kohen, Yoreh De'ah, Megillah Afah and many other works
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Meir Simcha HaKohen
(Meshech Chochmah, Or Same'ach)
1843-1926
(Picture)

Born: 1843 (Dvinsk, Latvia)
Died: 1926
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Or Sameach, Meshech Chochmah, as well as commentaries and responsa on the Talmud
Miscellaneous: He served as rabbi of Dvinsk - even refusing an offer of a rabbinical position in Jerusalem in 1906. He was a strong supporter of the settlement of Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel).

Rabbi David HaLevi
(Taz)
1586—1667
(Picture)

Born: 1586 (Krakow, Poland)
Died: 1667
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Turei Zahav (Rows of Gold) and a commentary on the Orach Chaim
Miscellaneous: He was rabbi in many small towns before becoming the rabbi of Ostrog, Ukraine where he founded a Yeshiva in 1641. After the Cossack raid, he fled and was invited to become the rabbi of Lvov (Lemberg), Ukraine.

Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi
(Rabbeinu HaKadosh, Rabbi, Judah the Prince)
c.135-c.200
(Picture of Grave)

Born: c. 135 (Israel)
Died: c. 200 (Israel)
Teacher(s): His father, Rabbi Yehudah ben Ilai, Rabbi Yaakov ben Kurshai, Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua, and Rabbi Yosi ben Chalafta
Writing(s): Editor of the Mishnah in its final form
Miscellaneous: He founded a Torah Academy in Sh'faram, Israel.

Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller
(Ketzot HaChoshen)
1745-1813

Born: 1745 (Kalusz, Ukraine)
Died: 1813
Teacher(s): Reb Meshulam
Writing(s): Shav Shamata and Ketzot Hachoshen
Miscellaneous: He became the rabbi of Rozniatow, Ukraine.

Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller
(Tosefot Yomtov)
1579-1654
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1579 (Wallerstein, Bavaria)
Died: 1654 (Krakow, Poland)
Teacher(s): Jacob Gunzburg, Judah Low ben Bezaleel, and Solomon Ephraim Lenczyza
Writing(s): Tosefot Yom-Tov
Miscellaneous: He became rabbi of Nikolsburg, Moravia in 1624 and rabbi of Vienna, Austria in 1625. In 1627 he became rabbi of Prague, Czechoslovakia and rabbi of Krakow, Poland in 1643.

Rabbi Yitzchak HaLevi Herzog
1888-1959
(Picture)

Born: 1888 (Poland)
Died: 1959 (Israel)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He was a rabbi in Belfast from 1916 to 1919 and Dublin until 1936. He became chief rabbi of Ireland in 1921. He succeeded Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook as Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Palestine in 1936, a position he held until 1959.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
1907-1972
(Picture)

Born: January 11, 1907 (Warsaw, Poland)
Died: December 23, 1972
Teachers: Chanoch Albeck, Ismar Elbogen, Julius Guttmann, Leo Baeck
Writing(s): Der Shem Hamefoyrosh: Mentsch, The Prophets, The Sabbath, Man is Not Alone, God in Search of Man, Prophetic Inspiration After the Prophets, Torah min HaShamayim
Miscellaneous: In October, 1938 he was arrested by the Gestapo and deported from Germany back to Poland. In 1939, he escaped Poland and arrived in London with the help of Julian Morgenstern (president of the Hebrew Union College). From 1940-1946 he served as a professor at the Hebrew Union College. From 1946-1972 he served as a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary. On March 21, 1965 he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama.

Rabbi Hillel
60BCE-9CE
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 60BCE (Babylon)
Died: 9CE
Teacher(s): Beit Midrash (Israel)
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He founded the Beit Hillel (House of Hillel) school in Israel. He was Nasi (president) of the Sanhedrin.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
1808-1888
(Picture)

Born: 1808 (Hamburg, Germany)
Died: 1888 (Frankfurt, Germany)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Jacob Ettlinger
Writing(s): Neunzehn Briefe uber Judenthum (The Nineteen Letters of Ben Uziel ), Choreb, and a commentary on the Torah
Miscellaneous: He became rabbi of Oldenburg, Germany in 1830 and rabbi of the disctrict of Moravia, Czechoslovakia in 1846. He is the intellectual founder of the Torah im Derech Eretz school of Orthodox Judaism.

Rabbi Yeshayahu Horowitz
(the Sheloh)
1565-1630
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1565 (Prague, Czechoslovakia)
Died: March 24, 1630 (Safed, Israel)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Meir Lublin
Writing(s): Shene Luhoth ha-Berit and Sha'ar ha-Shamayim Siddur
Miscellaneous: He was rabbi in Posen, Poland; Kracow, Poland; Dubno, Ukraine; Ostrog, Ukraine; Frankurt, Germany; and Prague Czechoslovakia.

Rabbi Moshe Isserles
(Rema)
c.1520—1572
(Picture)

Born: c. 1520 (Krakow, Poland)
Died: 1572
Teacher(s): Rabbi Shalom Shachna
Writing(s): Mapah, Darkhei Moashe, Torath haChatath, Torath haOlah, Mechir Yayin, and Techuvot Rema
Miscellaneous: He established the "Rema Shul" in Krakow, Poland in memoryr of his late wife. He established a Yeshiva in Krakow, Poland in 1550 and supported his pupils at his own expense. In 1553 he was appointed rabbi and served on the Council of the Four Lands.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan
(the Chafetz Chaim)
1838—1933
(Picture)

Born: February 6, 1838 (Zhetel, Poland)
Died: September 15, 1933 (Radin, Poland)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Chafetz Chayim, Shmirat HaLashon, Mishnah Berurah, and Bi'ur Halachah
Miscellaneous: He had a central leadership role in the World Agudath Israel Movement.

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
(1935-1983)
(Picture)

Born: 1935 (Bronx, New York (USA))
Died: January 28, 1983
Teacher(s): Torah Voda'as (Brooklyn, NY), Mir Yeshivot (Brooklyn, NY), Mir (Jerusalem, Israel)
Writing(s): The Living Torah; Handbook of Jewish Thought; Tefillin - G-d, Man and Tefillin; Love Means Reaching Out; Maimonides’ Principles - The Fundamentals of Jewish Faith; The Waters of Eden - The Mystery of the Mikveh; Jerusalem - The Eye of the Universe; Belief in G-d; Free Will and the Purpose of Creation; The Jew; Love and the Commandments; The Structure of Jewish Law; Me'am Loez (primary translator from Ladino); The Real Messiah? A Jewish Response to Missionaries
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Yosef Karo
(Bet Yosef, Shulkhan Arukh)
1488—1575
(Picture)

Born: 1488 (Spain or Portugal)
Died: March 24, 1575 (Safed, Israel)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Beth Yosef; Shulkah Arukh; Bedek haBayit; Kelalei haTalmud; Avkath Rochel; Maggid Mesharim; Derashot; commentary on the Mishnah
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz
(the Chazon Ish)
1879-1954
(Picture)

Born: 1879 (Kosovo)
Died: 1954
Teacher(s): His father
Writing(s): Chazon Ish
Miscellaneous: In 1933 he moved to Israel.

Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky
1890-1986

Born: 1890 (Minsk, Belarus)
Died: 1986 (Baltimore, Maryland (USA))
Teacher(s):
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He became dea of Mesifta Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn, New York in 1948. He had served on the presidium of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis and the Moetzes Gedolei ha-Torah of Agudath Israel of America, the council of Torah sages.

Rabbi David Kimchi
(Redak)
1160-1235

Born: 1160 (Narbonne, Provence (France))
Died: 1235
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Commentaries on the books of the Prophets, Genesis, Psalms, and Chronicles and Michol
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook
1865-1935
(Picture)

Born: 1865 (Griva, Latvia)
Died: 1935 (Jerusalem)
Teacher(s): Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin
Writing(s): Iturie Sofrim, Orot HaTeshuvah, Eder HaYakar,Ikvei Hatzon, Shabbat Ha'Aretz, Rosh Milin, Eyn Ayah and Mussar Avikhah
Miscellaneous: He was the rabbi of Zaumel and Bausk, Latvia; London; Jaffa and Jerusalem. He was the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of pre-state Israel. He established the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Aharon Kotler
(Reb Aharon)
1892-1962
(Picture)

Born: 1892
Died: 1962
Teacher(s): Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel, Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Epsteain
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He assisted Rabbi Isser Zalman Maltzer run the Yeshiva of Slutzk, Belarus. When the communists took over Belarus, the Yeshiva was moved to Kletz, Poland. With the outbreak of World War II, the yeshiva was relocated to Vilna, Lithuania. He moved to the United States via Siberia by the Vaad Hatzolah rescue organization. In 1943, he founded the Beit Midrash Gevoha in Lakewood, New Jersey. He helped establish the Chinuch Atzmai (independent religious school system) in Israel and was a leader of Agudath Israel of America.

Rabbi Yechezkel Landau
(the Noda Biyehudah)
1713—1793
(Picture)

Born: 1713 (Opatow, Poland)
Died: 1793
Teacher(s): Yeshivot in Vladimir, Russia and Brody, Ukraine
Writing(s): Nodah biYehudah (Known in Judah), Dagul Mervavah, Tziyun laNefesh Chayah
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Yisrael ben Zev Wolf Lipkin
(Salanter)
1810-1883
(Picture)

Born: 1810
Died: 1883
Teacher(s):
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He founded the Kovno Kollel in Kaunas, Lithuania. He established the Mussar Movement that emphasizes the study and practice Jewish values and ethics.

Rabbi Yisrael Lipschitz
(Tiferet Yisrael)
1782-1860

Born: 1782
Died: 1860
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Tiferet Yisrael
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Shlomo Luria
(Maharshal)
1510-1574
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1510 (Posen, Poland)
Died: 1574
Teachers: Rabbi Shalom Shachna, Rabbi Kalonymus Haberkasten
Writing(s): Yam Shel Shlomo, Chochmat Shlomo, a collection of Responsa
Miscellaneous: He was the rabbi of Brisk, Ostroh, and other Lithuanian communities. He became head of the Lublin Yeshiva and later opened his own yehisva (Maharshal's Shul).

Rabbi Yitzchak Luria
(Ari, Arizal)
1534-1572
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1534 (Jerusalem, Israel)
Died: 1572 (Safed, Israel)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Bezalel Ashkenazi
Writing(s): Etz HaChaim, Sefer HaKavanot, Dodi Yarad l'Gano, Sefer HaGilgulim, Nof Etz Chaim, Likutei Torah u'Taamei HaMitzvot, Otzrot Chaim, Likutei Shas, Arba Me'ot Shekel Kessef, Olat Tamid, and Sefer HaChizyonot
Miscellaneous: At the age of twenty-two years old, he became engrossed in the study of the Zohar, a major work of the Kabbalah which had recently been printed for the first time, and adopted the life of a recluse for seven years.

Rabbi Yehuda Loew
(Maharal)
1525-1609
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1525 (Poznan, Poland)
Died: 1609 (Prague, Czech Republic)
Teachers:
Writing(s): Derech Chaim, Guraryeh, Nezach Israel, Nethivoth Olam
Miscellaneous: From 1553-1588 he was a rabbi in Moravia. From 1588-1592 he was a rabbi in Prague. From 1592-1609 he was the chief rabbi of Poland. He is credited with the creation of the Golem of Prague.

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato
(Ramchal)
(1705-1747)
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 1705 (Padua, Italy)
Died: 1747 (Acre, Israel)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just), Derekh HaShem (The Way of G-d), and Derekh Tevunoth
Miscellaneous: In 1735 he left Italy for Amsterdam, Netherlands in order to more easily pursue his study of Kabbalah.

Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon
(Maimonides, Rambam)
1135-1204
(Picture)

Born: March 30, 1135 (Cordoba, Spain)
Died: December 13, 1204 (Fostat, Egypt)
Teacher(s): Maimon
Writing(s): Commentary on the Mishna, Sefer Hamitzvot, Mishneh Torah, Guide for the Perplexed, Teshuvot, Fusul Musa
Miscellaneous: In 1148, his family was forced into exile - finally settling in Fez, Morocco. After spending time in Jerusalem, he moved to Fostat, Egypt where he was the doctor of the Grand Vizier Alfadhil and possibly the Sultan Saladin. He was also the Nagid (head of the Egyptian Jewish Community).

Rabbi Yaakov ben Meir
(Rabbeinu Tam)
1100-1171
(Picture)

Born: 1100
Died: 1171
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Sefer Hayasher
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav/Breslov
(1772-1810)
(Picture of Grave)

Born: April 4, 1772 (Mezhibuzh, Ukraine)
Died: October 16, 1810 (Uman, Ukraine)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Likutey Moharan (Collected Teachings of Rebbe Nachman), Sefer HaMiddot (The Aleph-Bet Book), Tikkun Ha-klali (General Remedy), Sippurei Ma'asiyyot (Rabbi Nachman's Stories)
Miscellaneous: In 1798 he moved to Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel).

Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman
(Nachmanides, Ramban)
1195-1270
(Picture)

Born: 1195 (Gerona, Spain)
Died: 1270 (Israel)
Teacher(s): Judah ben Yakkar and Meïr ben Nathan of Trinquetaille
Writing(s): Milhamot Hashem (Wars of the Lord), Mishpetei ha-Cherem, Torat ha-Adam, Milhamot HaShem, Sefer ha-Zekhut, Hassagot, Derashah, Sefer ha-Ge'ulah, Iggeret ha-Musar, Iggeret ha-Chemdah, Wikkuach, Perush Iyyov, Perush 'al ha-Torah
Miscellaneous: In 1263 he was forced into a disputation by King James I of Aragon between the Ramban and the Jewish apostate Pablo Christiani. In 1267 he emigrated to Jerusalem, Israel and then later to Acre, Israel.

Rabbi Nissim ben Reuven
(Ran)
c.1320—c.1375

Born: c. 1320 (Barcelona, Spain)
Died: c. 1375
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Commentary and explanation of Hilkhot, Commentary on the Talmud, Responsa, Commentary on the Tanach
Miscellaneous:

Rabbi Solomon Schechter
1847-1915
(Picture)

Born: December 7, 1847 (Focsani, Romania)
Died: November 19, 1915
Teachers: Piatra Neamt Yeshiva, Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathanson, Rabbi Meir Friedmann
Writing(s): Aspects of Rabbinic Theology, Some Aspects of Rabbinic Theology, Studies in Judaism, Seminary Addresses and Other Papers
Miscellaneous: In 1890 he was appointed lecturer in Talmud and reader in Rabbinics at Cambridge University. In 1896 he discovered the Cairo Geniza. In 1899 he became a professor of Hebrew at University College London. From 1902-1915 he served as the president of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
(the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe)
(1902-1994)
(Picture)

Born: April 18, 1902 (Nikolaiev, Ukraine)
Died: June 12, 1994 (New York)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson and Rabbi Yosef Rosen
Writing(s): Likkutei Sichot, Igrot Kodesh, Hayom Yom, Haggadah Im Likkutei Taamim Uminhagim, Reshimot, Hadran al HaRambam, Sefer Hasichot, Sefer Hashlichut, Torat Menachem, Torat Menachem Hisvaaduyot, Letters from the Rebbe
Miscellaneous: In 1933, he moved to France and received his degree in electrical engineering. In 1941 he moved from France to Brooklyn, New York. In 1942, he was appointed director of the Chassidic Movement's central organizations. In 1982, the U.S. Congress proclaimed his birthday Education Day, USA and awarded him the National Scroll of Honor. On November 2, 1994 he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno
c.1470-1550

Born: c. 1470 (Italy)
Died: 1550 (Italy)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Commentary on the Tanach, Light of the Nations
Miscellaneous: He served as the rabbi of Rome.

Rabbi Shammai
50BCE-30CE
(Picture of Grave)

Born: 50BCE
Died: 30CE
Teacher(s):
Writing(s):
Miscellaneous: He founded the Beit Shammai (House of Shammai) school in Israel. He served as the Av Beit Din (head of the Sanhedrin).

Rabbi Yoel Sirkes
(Bach)
1561-1640

Born: 1561 (Lublin, Poland)
Died: 1640 (Krakow, Poland)
Teacher(s): Solomon ben-Judah and Rabbi Phoebus
Writing(s): Bayit Chadah, Hagahot haBach, Meshiv Nefesh, Teshuvot haBach
Miscellaneous: He was the rabbi of Pruszany, Lubkow, Lublin, Medzyboz, Belz, Szydlowka, and Krakow.

Rabbi Avraham Shemuel Binyamin Sofer
(Schreiber, the Ktav Sofer)
1815-1871
(Picture)

Born: 1815 (Pressburg, Hungary)
Died: 1871 (Pressburg, Hungary)
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Ktav Sofer
Miscellaneous: He was rabbi and head of the Yeshiva in Pressburg, Hungary.

Rabbi Moshe Sofer
(Schreiber, the Chatam Sofer)
1762-1839
(Picture)

Born: September, 1762 (Frankfurt, Germany)
Died: October 3, 1839 (Pressburg, Hungary)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Nathan Adler, Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz, Rabbi Tebele Scheuer
Writing(s): Chatam Sofer
Miscellaneous: He became head of the Yeshiva in Prossnitz, Germany and in 1794 he became rabbi of Dresnitz, Germany. In 1797 he became rabbi of Mattersdorf, Austria and established a Yeshiva. In 1806 he became rabbi of Pressburg, Hungary and established a Yeshiva.

Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik
(Reb Chaim Brisker)
1853-1915
(Picture)

Born: 1853
Died: July 30, 1915
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): Chiddushei Rabbeinu Chaim
Miscellaneous: He founded the Brisk (Brest, Belarus) Yeshivot. He is named as the founder of the Brisker Derech (Brisker Method) of studying Talmud.

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
(b. 1937)
(Picture)

Born: 1937 (Jerusalem, Israel)
Died:
Teacher(s):
Writing(s): The Talmud: The Steinsaltz Edition, We Jews: Who Are We and What Should We Do?, Opening the Tanya: Discovering the Moral and Mystical Teachings of a Classic Work of Kabbalah, Learning From the Tanya: Volume Two in the Definitive Commentary on the Moral and Mystical Teachings of a Classic Work of Kabbalah, The Miracle of the Seventh Day: A Guide to the Spiritual Meaning, Significance, and Weekly Practice of the Jewish Sabbath, The Thirteen Petalled Rose
Miscellaneous: In 1965 he founded the Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications and began translating the Talmud into Hebrew. He is the Nasi (president) of the new, controversial Sanhedrin.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
b. 1948
(Picture)

Born: 1948
Died:
Teachers: Yeshiva of Flatbush, Yeshiva University
Writing(s): Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History, A Code of Jewish Ethics: You Shall be Holy, A Code of Jewish Ethics: Love Your Neighbor, The Book of Jewish Values: A Day-by-Day Guide to Ethical Living, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal: How to Use Words Wisely and Well, Jewish Humor: What the Best Jewish Jokes Say About the Jews, Biblical Literacy: The Most Important People, Events, and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible, Jewish Wisdom: Ethical, Spiritual, and Historical Lessons from the Great Works and Thinkers, The Ten Commandments of Character: Essential Advice for Living an Honorable, Ethical, Honest Life, The Golden Land: The Story of Jewish Immigration to America, Rabbi Daniel Winter, The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism, Why the Jews: The Reason for Antisemitism, Heaven's Witness, The Quarrel
Miscellaneous: He serves as the rabbi for the Synagogue for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. He served as the director of education at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. He is a senior associate with The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership and a member of the board of directors for the Jewish Book Council.

Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel
(Rosh)
c.1250—1327
(Picture)

Born: c. 1250 (Germany)
Died: 1327 (Toledo, Spain)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg
Writing(s): Orchot Chaim, Commentary on the Mishna, Responsa
Miscellaneous: He became rabbi in Worms, Germany and then in Toldeo, Spain.

Rabbi Berel Wein
b. 1934
(Picture)

Born: March 25, 1934 (Chicago, Illinois)
Died:
Teachers: Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth, Rabbi Mordechai Rogow, Rabbi Yisrael Mendel Kaplan, Rabbi Oscar Z. Fasman
Writing(s): Echoes of Glory, Herald of Destiny, Triumph of Survival: The story of the Jews in the Modern Era, 1650-1995, Faith and Fate, Chikrei Halacha, Eyunim B'Mesechtot HaTalmud, Chukei Chaim, Living Jewish: Values, Practices and Traditions, Pirkei Avos: Teachings for Our Times, The Pesach Haggadah: Through the Prism of Experience and History, Real Messiah: A Jewish Response to Missionaries, Sand and Stars
Miscellaneous: From 1964-1972 he was rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation in Miami, Florida. From 1972-1977 he served as the rabbinic administrator of the kashrut divison of the Orthodox Union. In 1973 he founded Congregation Beis Torah in Suffern, New York and Yeshiva Shaarei Torah of Rockland in 1977.

Rabbi Meir Leib ben Yechiel Michael Weiser
(Malbim)
1809—1879
(Picture)

Born: 1809 (Volochisk, Ukraine)
Died: 1879 (Kiev, Ukraine)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Lob of Volochisk
Writing(s): Artzot ha-Hhayim, Artzot ha-Shalom, Mikra'e Kodesh, Mashal u-Melitzah
Miscellaneous: He was rabbi of Wreschen, Germany from 1838 until 1845 and rabbi of Kempen, Poland from 1845 until 1860. In 1860 he became rabbi of Bucharest, Romania; later succeeding his father-in-law as rabbi of Lenczyk, Poland in 1866. In 1870 he became rabbi of Mahilyow, Belarus and then rabbi of Konigsberg, Poland.

Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki
(Rashi)
1040-1105
(Picture)

Born: February 22, 1040 (Troyes, France)
Died: July 17, 1105 (Troyes, France)
Teacher(s): Rabbi Yaakov ben Yakar and Rabbi Yitzchak ben Yehudah
Writing(s): Commentary on the Tanach, Commentary on the Talmud
Miscellaneous: He became rabbi of Troyes c. 1065 and founded a Yeshiva c. 1070.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev
c. 1740-1810
(Picture of Grave)

Born: c. 1740
Died: 1810
Teacher(s): Maggid of Mezritch
Writing(s): God of Abraham
Miscellaneous: He wrote some popular Hasidic religious folk songs, including Dude'le and "The Kaddish of Rebbe Levi Yitzchok".

Rabbi Schneur Zalman
(Baal HaTanya)
(1745-1813)
(Picture)

Born: 1745 (Liadi, Russia)
Died: 1813
Teacher(s): Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch
Writing(s): Shulkhan Arukh haRav, Likkutei Amarim (also known as the Tanya)
Miscellaneous: He was the founder and first rabbi of the Chabad Lubavitch.