The Rishonim in 10 Minutes

In this episode of Everything Jewish, 10 Minutes at a Time, we enter the remarkable era of the Rishonim — the "Early Ones" — the medieval giants who shaped Jewish law, philosophy, and commentary as we know it today. From the 11th to the 15th centuries, towering figures like Rashi, Rambam (Maimonides), Ramban (Nachmanides), Tosafists, and Rif rose across France, Spain, Germany, and North Africa, producing groundbreaking commentaries on the Talmud, codifying halacha, and courageously engaging with philosophy, science, and the challenges of exile. Their brilliant debates, deep insights, and lasting works became the essential bridge between the Talmudic sages and modern Jewish practice. Join us for a fast-paced 10 minutes to explore how these intellectual powerhouses built the framework that still defines Jewish thought, learning, and daily life.