Ritba (Rabbi Yom Tov Ishbili)

Ritba's chief fame rests on his commentaries to the Talmud.

Advertisement

Yom Tov Ishbili, known as the Ritba (an acronym for his name), was a 14th-century Spanish rabbi who was a Talmudic commentator and student of philosophy.

The Ritba studied with Aaron Halevi and Solomon Ibn Adret (known as the Rashba) in Barcelona. According to Rabbi Louis Jacobs’ The Jewish Religion, the Ritba was, after Ibn Adret died, “acknowledged as the most prominent spiritual guide by the Jews of Spain and other lands.”

His works include writings on many of the Talmudic tractates and on the Passover Haggadah as well as commentaries on the writings of Alfasi and Nahmanides.

Adapted from the Jewish Encyclopedia.

Support My Jewish Learning

Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.

Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Discover More

Maimonides and His Discontents

Maimonides has long been a figure of extraordinary authority. Yet his understanding of Judaism was highly controversial.

Who Was Maimonides?

A philosopher, physician, rabbinic scholar and more, Maimonides was the most famous Jew of the premodern age.

Daf Yomi

This global project of Jewish learning, now accessible to all.

Advertisement