Sages & Scholars
Maimonides (Rambam) and His Texts
One of the greatest Jewish scholars of all time, he was both a traditionalist and an innovator.
Who Was Rabbi Akiva?
The second-century sage was the inspiration for many legends and may have died as a martyr.
Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Prophet’s Prophet
Heschel aimed, through his writing and teaching, to shock modern people out of complacency and into a spiritual dimension
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.
Jewish Thought and Philosophy 101
Jewish thought is not a single continuous tradition, but rather a varied mix of works, which reflect the specific ideological and historical positions of those who wrote them.
Tale of Two Talmuds: Jerusalem and Babylonian
The two versions of the Talmud developed simultaneously in the two major Jewish communities of the rabbinic era.
Maimonides’ Philosophical Writings
In his landmark philosophical work, The Guide to the Perplexed, Maimonides sought to put Judaism on a rational footing.
Thinkers & Thought Quiz
How much do you know about Judaism's leading thinkers and their philosophies?
Talmud Quiz
How much do you know about this influential and complex body of Jewish teachings?
Who Was Rashi?
The most widely read Jewish Bible commentator, he also wrote a running commentary to the Babylonian Talmud.
Maimonides as Community Leader
The man who penned landmark works on Jewish law and philosophy also deeply identified with the communities and individuals who sought his counsel.
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi
The editor of the Mishnah is one of the most significant figures in rabbinic Judaism.
Yohanan Ben Zakkai
The first sage to receive the title of rabbi, Yohanan ben Zakkai is credited with saving rabbinic Judaism from complete annihilation.
Who Was Hillel?
The preeminent sage of first century Palestine whose name is on Jewish campus organizations worldwide.