7 Fascinating Facts About the Author of 'Arba'ah Turim'

On Wednesday evening, the 12th of Tammuz, we commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Jacob ben Asher, the third son of the Rosh, and the author of 'Arba'ah Turim'. Here are seven fascinating facts:

1. The book 'Arba'ah Turim' is a central legal text, which served as a foundation for the 'Shulchan Aruch'.

2. Upon its release, the book was embraced by Jewish communities worldwide. 'Arba'ah Turim' is divided into four sections (Turim), each addressing specific aspects of Jewish life:

• Tur 'Orach Chayim' - focuses on daily matters such as waking, blessings, prayers, Shema, meal laws, blessings over enjoyment, Shabbat, and the sanctification of months, holidays, and fasts. It includes charts for the Hebrew calendar until the end of the sixth millennium.
• Tur 'Yoreh De'ah' - deals with laws of forbidden and permitted, slaughter, meat and milk, mixtures, idolatry, purity, Torah study, honoring scholars, and more.
• Tur 'Even HaEzer' - addresses marital and familial matters, divorce, and levirate marriage among others.
• Tur 'Choshen Mishpat' - primarily concerns financial laws, jurisprudence, testimony, and more.

3. 'Arba'ah Turim' was written with remarkable organizational skill. Each section is divided into laws and markers, making it user-friendly and testifying to the author's methodical talent. Its style is clear and concise.

4. After completing 'Arba'ah Turim', Rabbi Jacob wrote a Torah commentary, primarily based on Ramban, with selections from Rashi, Rabbi Joseph Kimhi, Rashbam, and the Rosh.

5. This commentary became widely popular and is printed in most Chumashim. Notably, only the introductions penned by Rabbi Jacob are included in the Chumashim. In these, he mentions insights, such as gematria and numerical hints, described as "a little taste and explanations for tradition, to move the heart". His unique interpretative method made these introductions beloved, resulting in numerous editions.

6. It is widely believed that Rabbi Jacob wrote his entire Torah commentary in just one night, all from memory.

7. In his will, he wrote, among other things:

* "Do not rely on your wealth, wisdom, nor on any human, but solely on Hashem."

* "Whether praised or criticized, consider approval as disapproval and disapproval as approval."

* "If you see something improper, offer guidance in a wise and respectful manner, so they will listen and not push you aside. Adapt according to the time and situation."

* "Speak only when necessary."

* "The essence of daily practice is prayer, and the essence of weekly practice is Shabbat."