ABOUT THE BOOK

Malmad haTalmidim is Rabbi Ya'aqob Anatoli’s classic collection of sermons that unite Torah, science, and philosophy. Written in 13th-century Provence, it guides the thoughtful reader from peshat to philosophical depth—drawing on grammar, logic, and natural science to illuminate the weekly portions. The Introduction, presented in both Hebrew and English, sets forth his framework of Torah. His words carry urgency—warning against a Judaism reduced to habit. This volume presents a key text of the Geonic-Sepharadi tradition as both a historical treasure and a living challenge for all of us: do not be content with the surface of the weekly Torah portions—seek the meaning beneath.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rabbi Yaʿaqob Anatoli (1194–c. 1256) was a Provençal Jewish preacher, philosopher, and translator. A son-in-law of Rabbi Shemuel ibn Tibbon, he worked at Emperor Frederick II’s court, rendering contemporary texts of science and philosophy into Hebrew. Rabbi Anatoli’s influence echoes in later scholars, including R. Menaḥem Meiri and R. Levi ben Gershom (RaLBaG).
 
This edition features a substantive chapter on the Maimonidean Controversies and the pivotal role of the Malmad haTalmidim.