Who Was Rashi? The Life and Miracles of the Greatest Torah Commentator

Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki — known to the entire Jewish world simply as Rashi, is truly deserving of the initials often attributed to his name: “Rabban Shel Yisrael”, the Teacher of all Israel. There are no words to describe the righteousness and the immeasurable contribution of this tzaddik to Torah learners throughout the generations.

Rashi was born in the year 4400 (1040 CE) and passed away at age 64 in 4465 (1105 CE) — approximately 900 years ago.

His Father’s Test of Wealth

His father, Rabbi Yitzchak, was a righteous and G-d-fearing merchant who was childless for many years. One day, a precious and valuable gem came into his possession. The king heard of it and wanted to buy it for a large sum — intending to use it for idolatry. Rabbi Yitzchak refused to allow the gem to be used for such a purpose and threw it into the sea, forfeiting great wealth.

Because he withstood this test, a decree in Heaven was issued that he would merit a son who would “illuminate the world.” Eliyahu the Prophet appeared to him and announced the coming birth.

A Miracle for Rashi’s Mother

When Rashi’s mother was pregnant, she passed through a narrow alleyway. Suddenly, a knight on horseback charged toward her, nearly trampling her. A miracle occurred: the wall sank inward, protecting her and her unborn child. It is said that this indentation in the wall can still be seen today.

Extraordinary Talent in Youth

From a young age, Rashi displayed exceptional learning abilities. He rose higher and higher, eventually beginning to write his famous commentary notebooks on the Talmud.

At age 32, he chose to go into self-imposed exile in order to verify manuscripts and compare versions of the Talmud throughout Jewish communities.

Rashi’s Commentary on the Torah

Rashi wrote commentaries on all of Tanach, but his commentary on the Chumash is the greatest of all. Before beginning this commentary, he undertook 613 fasts.

There are 19 classical commentaries written on Rashi alone. Rabbi Chida writes that within Rashi’s commentary lies embedded a commentary on Kabbalah as well. His commentary is printed in the special script called “Rashi script.”

His Humility

Despite his greatness, Rashi was not too proud to revise his views. Many times in his writings he humbly wrote phrases such as:

• “I was mistaken,”

• “I erred,”

• “I do not know its meaning,”

• “I do not understand this.”

Rashi’s First Comment on the Torah

On the very first verse — “In the beginning, God created heaven and earth”, Rashi asks: Why doesn’t the Torah begin with the first mitzvah given to Israel?

He cites Rabbi Yitzchak: “The Torah should have begun with ‘This month shall be for you…’ Why then does it begin with Creation?
So that if the nations of the world say to Israel: ‘You are robbers, for you conquered the lands of the seven nations,’ Israel will respond: ‘All the earth belongs to God; He created it and gave it to whom He saw fit. When He wished, He gave it to them; when He wished, He took it from them and gave it to us.’”

In his first commentary on the Torah, Rashi explicitly explains the Jewish right to the Land of Israel and answers the claims of the nations.

Rashi’s Family

Rashi and his wife had no sons, but their three daughters married great Torah scholars. From them emerged many of the greatest sages of Israel.

• His eldest daughter, Yocheved, married Rabbeinu Meir ben Shmuel, known as “the father of the rabbis.”

• His second daughter, Miriam, married Rabbi Yehuda ben Natan.

• His third daughter, Rachel, married Rabbeinu Ephraim.

His grandsons — Rashbam, Rabbeinu Tam, and Rivam, became among the greatest of the Baalei Tosafot, continuing Rashi’s spiritual legacy.