Ra'avad
Avraham ben David of Posquieres (Ra'avad) was a Provencal rabbi, talmudic commentator, and mystic. His best-known work consists of extensive critical comments on Rambam's Mishneh Torah, which are published alongside the Rambam's text in almost every version. He also engaged in written disputes via commentary with his younger contemporary, R. Zerachiah HaLevi, in defense of the Rif's Halakhot. He wrote talmudic commentaries that are quoted extensively by a number of Rishonim but have been lost for the most part. It was from his circle that kabbalah emerged in the 12th century, and the early prominent kabbalists cite his activity as central to that emergence.
Works on Sefaria
Top Citations
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Ra'avad on Mishnah Demai
Fragments of a 12th-century commentary on Demai, a tractate that discusses produce from one who is suspected to have neglected tithing.
Ra'avad on Mishnah Eduyot
12th-century commentary by Rabbi Abraham ben David, known for his critical comments of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah.
Ra'avad on Mishnah Kinnim
12th-century commentary on tractate Kinnim, which discusses bird-offerings that became mixed up.
Ra'avad on Sifra
R. Abraham ben David of Posquieres’ 12th-century commentary on the Sifra, a tannaitic midrash on the book of Leviticus
Ba'alei HaNefesh
12th-century work by the Ra’avad on the laws of niddah and sexual conduct.