Who Are the Major Torah Commentators?

What Is Torah Commentary and Its Significance in Judaism?

)—the foundational text of Judaism—has inspired continuous study, debate, and interpretation. A parshan (פַּרְשָׁן, commentator), carefully explained verses, stories, and commandments, helping generations understand and apply Torah to daily life. Torah commentary is not simply academic curiosity; it enables the Jewish people to fulfill the mitzvah (מִצְוָה, commandment) of Talmud Torah (תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה, Torah study) and to find relevance in Torah's words in every generation.

(Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15), suggesting the infinite possibilities for understanding and insight. Through the works of Torah commentators, the Jewish people have received centuries of guidance, wisdom, and spiritual enrichment.

Historical and Textual Origins: From Torah to Rabbinic Commentaries

Biblical and Talmudic Roots

The tradition of commentary begins within the Torah itself, which refers to the importance of explaining its words. For example:

And write them on the tablets so that they may be in your mouth

(Shemot 13:9)

And you shall teach them diligently to your children

), reflecting how early rabbis understood their role: uncovering deeper meanings and practical implications.

Emergence of Written Commentaries

or commentary) flourished, as Jewish communities across the globe sought guidance for changing circumstances and new questions.

Key Concepts, Laws, or Practices Involved

Torah commentary draws on several classic Jewish approaches:

This acronym outlines four methods of interpretation:

- Peshat (פְּשָׁט, simple): The straightforward, contextual meaning.

- Remez (רֶמֶז, hint): Allusions or hints encoded in the text.

- Derash (דְּרָשׁ, homiletical): Moral and legal teachings derived by analogy or tradition.

- Sod (סוֹד, secret): Mystical or hidden meanings.

Major Torah commentators balanced peshat with derash, while others explored remez or sod, ensuring that Torah remained a source of instruction and inspiration on every level.

Halakhic and Narrative Exegesis

Some commentators focused on halakhah (הֲלָכָה, Jewish law), extracting practical rules for Jewish life. Others concentrated on aggadah (אַגָּדָה, non-legal narrative), exploring the ethical, philosophical, and mystical lessons of Torah stories.

י, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, 1040–1105 CE)

), Rashi's peshat-driven commentary, composed in northern France, is foundational for students at every level. He often clarifies a word's literal meaning, explains difficult phrases, and harmonizes text with midrash (מדרש, rabbinic homiletic tradition).

Example: The opening verse of Bereshit (Genesis)

In the beginning, God created...

(cf. Psalms 111:6).

ן, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, Nachmanides, 1194–1270 CE)

A Spanish sage whose commentaries weave together peshat, derash, and sod, Ramban integrates mystical teachings, especially kabbalah (קַבָּלָה), and expands upon Rashi with philosophical and ethical insight.

(Genesis 1:26)

Let us make man in Our image

Translation: Ramban explains that this refers to man's unique spiritual potential and partnership with God.

ע, Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra, 1089–c.1167 CE)

Known for his focus on peshat and Hebrew grammar, Ibn Ezra's Spanish commentaries value science and reason, and he often challenges earlier interpretations with linguistic precision.

Example:

Translation: The Torah speaks in human language

(הַלָּשׁוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם, ha-lashon b'nei adam)—Ibn Ezra's reminder that sometimes, the text uses familiar terms for human understanding.

ם, Maimonides, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 1135–1204 CE)

While best known for Mishneh Torah (מִשְׁנֵה תּוֹרָה, his monumental code of Jewish law) and Guide for the Perplexed, Rambam's comments on the Torah illuminate its philosophical and legal depths, emphasizing the rationality and ethical purpose of mitzvot (מצוות, commandments).

Sforno, Rashbam, and Others

Other notable parshanim include:

- Sforno (ר' עובדיה ספורנו, Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno, 1475–1550): Emphasized moral and spiritual messages.

meaning.

- Abarbanel (אברבנאל, Rabbi Don Isaac Abarbanel, 1437–1508): Integrated Jewish and general philosophy.

Relevance to Jewish Life Today

Every Shabbat, Jewish communities worldwide read the weekly Torah portion (parashat ha-shavua, פָּרָשַׁת הַשָּׁבוּעַ), often with Rashi or Ramban in hand. Study groups, classrooms, and synagogue sermons draw on these commentators for guidance on prayer, ethics, tradition, and identity.

The tradition of Torah exegesis promotes questioning and dialogue, a value the Talmud itself celebrates:

תַּלְמֵידֵי חֲכָמִים מַרְבִּים שָׁלוֹם בָּעוֹלָם

Translation: Torah scholars increase peace in the world

(Berakhot 64a)

(Proverbs 3:18).