Rishonim Period

The Rishonim, meaning “the earlier ones,” were the great medieval rabbis, commentators, philosophers, and legal authorities. This period begins after the Geonic age and continues until around the time of the Spanish expulsion in 1492 and the beginning of the early modern period. Major Rishonim include Rashi, Rambam, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Rashba, Ritva, and the Tosafists.

This stage is extremely important because many of the classic Jewish commentaries were written during this time. Rashi explained the Torah and Talmud in a way that became essential for Jewish study, while Rambam organized Jewish law and philosophy. The Rishonim shaped how Jews read the Bible, understand the Talmud, and practice halakhah until today.