Born February 22, 1040, French rabbi Rashi (an acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) wrote commentaries on the Torah, Tanakh, and Talmud. He is still a key author in Jewish religious literature. He was known for elucidating the simple meaning of the biblical or talmudic text, thus appealing to both beginners and scholars. Since the 16th century, Rashi's commentary has been part of the Talmud text, printed beside the Mishnah and Gemara, the oldest writings therein. His work is also one of the major commentaries in the Torah edition called the Mikraot Gedolot. Rashi translated many Hebrew works into French, extending his influence. His writings were even translated into Latin and German by Christian scholars. Tragically, he lost family and friends in the orgies of anti-Jewish violence committed by Crusaders in 1096. Rashi died in northern France in 1105.
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