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Simeon ben Zemah Duran
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Simeon ben Zemah Duran

Spanish theologian
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Also known as: Rashbaz
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Quick Facts
Also called (by acronym):
Rashbaz
Born:
1361, Majorca, Balearic Islands [now part of Spain]
Died:
1444, Algiers [Algeria] (aged 83)

Simeon ben Zemah Duran (born 1361, Majorca, Balearic Islands [now part of Spain]—died 1444, Algiers [Algeria]) was the first Spanish Jewish rabbi to be paid a regular salary by the community and author of an important commentary on Avot (“Fathers”), a popular ethical tractate in the Talmud, the rabbinical compendium of law, lore, and commentary. Before the 14th century, the rabbinical post had been almost invariably honorary; Duran set a precedent in accepting a salary. His commentary Magen Avot (“The Shield of the Fathers”), which influenced the great medieval Jewish philosopher Joseph Albo, is important for reducing the Thirteen Articles ...(100 of 116 words)

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