The Golden Age of Spain Flashcards
Explain how the Muslims came to control large sections of Spain?
In July 771, Berber and Arab invaders crossed the straits of Gibraltar into Spain, and in 4 years, overran the entire Iberian Peninsula, making Cordova the capital.
Who was Chisdai ben Shaprut? (Explain in depth)
He was a physician and statesman under two rulers. He was fluent in many languages. He was a תלמיד חכם, and encouraged the development of תורה in Cordova.
Who was Eldad Hadani?
He claimed to be descended from שבט דן, who had come from his homeland of Ethiopia, which was also the land of גד, אשר, and נפתלי, and across the Sambatyon were the descendants of משה. They kept both תורה שבכתב and תורה שבעל פה, handed down from יהושוע.
Who was king Bulan of Khazar?
He was a Goyishe king who was מגייר, followed by his entire nation. (The kingdom was later destroyed by invaders)
Who was Rabbi Moshe ben Chanoch?
He was ransomed, along with his son, for a low price by the Jewish community in Cordova. He didn’t tell anyone who he was, and served as the shamash of the small local ישיבה. One day, overhearing a Talmudic discussion of the ראש ישיבה, he revealed his brilliance.
In what way did Rabbi Moshe ben Chanoch change life in Cordova?
When it was found out who he was, he was immediately offered the position of ראש ישיבה, and soon, under his guidance, the ישיבה of Cordova grew into a famous center of תורה, producing some of the great חכמים of that time.
Who was Shmuel Hanaggid?
He was a member of the ישיבה in Cordova, until he was forced to flee because it was attacked by the Berbers. He settled in Malaga and opened a spice store near the palace of the Vizier. He was appointed as the Vizier’s personal secretary, and brought to Granada. The Vizier followed his advice in matters of state. On his death bed, the Vizier informed the king about his secretary/advisor, who the king appointed Vizier. He remained connected to the Jewish community and used his connections to help them. As commander of the army, he led many military campaigns. He was respected by all, and given the title Naggid. He also wrote a few ספרים and supported תורה (financially).
Who was Shlomo ibn Gevirol?
He was a poet, originally from Saragossa. He wrote many beautiful piyutim, some of which we still say today.
Who was Rabbi Bechaye ibn Pekuda? What famous sefer did he write?
He was a תלמיד of ר’ משה בן חנוך, and a famous author and philosopher. He wrote חובות הלבבות, and other ספרים, many of which were lost.
