Vilna Gaon - Ascetism - Article Index

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon
The Vilna Gaon (April 23, 1720 – October 9, 1797) was a prominent Jewish rabbi, Talmud scholar, and Kabbalist. His real name was Elijah...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Ascetism
Elijah led an ascetic life. He interpreted literally the words of the ancient rabbis, that the Torah can be acquired only by abandoning a...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Youth And Education
Born in Vilna (now Vilnius), Lithuania, he gave evidence of the possession of extraordinary talents while still a child. As young as thre...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Influence
He was one of the most influential Rabbinic authorities since the Middle Ages, and – although he is counted as an Acharon – he is hel...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Works
Elijah was a voluminous author; and there is hardly an ancient Hebrew book of any importance to which he did not write a commentary, or a...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Other Work
Except in this instance, Elijah almost never took part in public affairs; and, so far as is known, he did not preside over any great scho...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Methods Of Study
Elijah applied to the Talmud and rabbinic literature proper philological methods. He made an attempt toward a critical examination of the...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vilna Gaon: Encyclopedia Ii - Vilna Gaon - Antagonism To Hasidism
When Hasidic Judaism became influential in his native town Elijah, joining the rabbis and heads of the Polish communities, took steps to ...   » Read the article