Rashi: The Sage Who Shaped Jewish Thought

This evening and tomorrow (Sunday), the 29th of Tammuz, marks the yahrzeit of the holy Rashi.

Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, known to us as Rashi, has earned his title as 'Rabban Shel Yisrael'—Teacher of Israel. Words cannot adequately convey the righteousness and contributions of this tzadik to Torah scholars throughout generations.

1. Rashi was born in the year 1040 CE and passed away at the age of 64 in 1105 CE, about 900 years ago.

2. His father, Rabbi Yitzchak, was a pious merchant who had no children for many years. Once, a precious stone came into Rabbi Yitzchak's possession. When the king wanted it for idol worship, Rabbi Yitzchak threw it into the sea, forfeiting the opportunity to get wealthy easily.

Due to his resistance to wealth's temptation, it was proclaimed in heaven that he would have a son who would illuminate the world. Elijah the Prophet, of blessed memory, came to Rabbi Yitzchak and informed him of this.

3. A great miracle occurred for Rashi's mother while pregnant with him. As she walked down a narrow street, a knight on a horse approached, threatening to trample her. Miraculously, a wall sank, saving her and her unborn child. It is said the indentation is visible to this day.

4. Rashi exhibited exceptional learning abilities from a young age, eventually interpreting the Talmud in his innovative commentaries. At age 32, he traveled to seek other versions of the Talmud or to find interpretations better than his.

5. Rashi wrote a comprehensive commentary on the Torah, with his explanation of the Chumash being especially notable. Before doing so, he undertook 613 fasts. This commentary has 19 subsequent scholars who expanded on it, and Rabbi Chida noted it also contains insights from Kabbalah. His interpretation of the Torah is printed in the script known as "Rashi Script."

6. Rashi's greatness did not hinder his willingness to re-evaluate his thoughts and accept critiques. This humility is evident in his writings, where he modestly uses phrases such as "I erred," "I made a mistake," "I do not know its explanation," or "I was not aware."

7. Rashi's first commentary on the Torah is remarkably relevant to our times. Addressing the creation narrative's placement over commandments, he notes:

'Rabbi Yitzchak said the Torah should have started from "This month shall be to you," the first commandment to Israel. So why begin with creation? To affirm "He declared the power of His works to His people by giving them the heritage of nations" (Psalms 111:6)—so should the nations accuse Israel of theft for conquering other lands, they can respond, "Hashem owns the earth, and He chose to give it, now and then, according to His will."'

In his first Torah commentary, Rashi addresses Israel's rights over their land and defends their honor against Gentile claims. The Creator, Hashem, made the world and granted the land of Israel to His people for their adherence to Torah and mitzvot.

8. Rashi and his wife were not blessed with sons, but their three daughters married illustrious scholars, resulting in a lineage of great Jewish leaders. His eldest, Yocheved, married Rabbi Meir Ben Shmuel; Miriam married Rabbi Yehuda Ben Natan; Rachel married Rabbi Ephraim. His spiritual legacy continues through his grandsons Rashbam, Rabbeinu Tam, and Rivam, known as "Baalei Tosafot."

Didn't get that promotion? Rashi has some advice for you: