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Philosophy & Social Sciences

Nahmanides

Who

Nahmanides · Philosophy & Social Sciences

What

Scholar, philosopher and physician; a towering biblical and talmudic commentator who integrated rational and mystical thought

When

1194, Girona, Catalonia (Crown of Aragon) — c. 1270, Acre, Land of Israel

Where

Catalonia (Spain) · Land of Israel

Biography

Nahmanides is recognized among Jewish contributors to Philosophy & Social Sciences — Scholar, philosopher and physician; a towering biblical and talmudic commentator who integrated rational and mystical thought

How & why

Nahmanides (Moses ben Nahman, the Ramban) was a leading medieval Jewish scholar, philosopher, physician and kabbalist whose commentary on the Torah wove together plain meaning, rational analysis and mysticism, shaping Jewish exegesis for centuries. In 1263 he defended Judaism at the Disputation of Barcelona before King James I of Aragon. Forced from Spain in its aftermath, he settled in the Land of Israel and helped revive Jewish life in Jerusalem and Acre. He was a rabbi and one of the most authoritative figures in Jewish thought.

Sources & external links
Contributions & Sources

Scholar, philosopher and physician; a towering biblical and talmudic commentator who integrated rational and mystical thought

1194 CE

Source: Jewish Encyclopedia