Bachya ibn Pekudah was a Spanish rabbi, philosopher, and moralist who lived in Saragossa, where he served as a judge on the Jewish court. In addition to a comprehensive knowledge of Jewish literature, he had a wide knowledge of secular literature and frequently quoted non-Jewish moral philosophers. He wrote his great work, Chovot HaLevavot ("Duties of the Heart"), to fill what he perceived as a need for bringing together the many ethical teachings scattered throughout Jewish literature in a systematic work. He argued forcefully for investing in the inner content of Jewish practice, as opposed to singularly focusing on outward observance. His works displayed the rare combination of tremendous emotion, vivid poetic imagination, powerful eloquence, and a penetrating intellect.
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