Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

How did Rash"i's commentary on the Torah become the primary (phrasing intentionally vague) commentary among the hundreds of others that have been written?

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Ramban refers to Rashi as "Lo Mishpat HaBechora" -- he has the rights of the firstborn. I think he's chronologically the first major commentary we have ... okay what about R' Saadiah Gaon ... I think R' Saadiah is more strictly translating words? Or is it that they didn't have R' Saadiah Gaon's commentary in Europe?

share|improve this answer
1  
That was Ramba"n. – WAF Oct 20 '10 at 20:19
1  
Rav Saadiah gaon's commentary was not universally accessible- it was in Arabic. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saadia_Gaon#Works – Yahu Oct 31 '10 at 19:28
1  
Yahu, you got it. Thanks! – Shalom Nov 1 '10 at 12:43
You are most welcome - I am sure you would have figured it out yourself knowing your record on m.y.! – Yahu Nov 3 '10 at 6:54
up vote 1 down vote

Simply due to its clarity - short and to the point + covering almost everything

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.