A Leader of Generations

The book describes and analyzes Rabbi Saadia Gaon’s quest for the religious leadership of the Jewish world in the first half of the tenth century. Saadia does this through his comprehensive literary work in the fields of interpretation, philosophy, language, poetry and Halacha. The book discusses elegantly key areas in the work of Saadia Gaon, such as his interpretation of the books of the Bible, his dealings with the Arabic language and Muslim culture, beginning with borrowing of literary models, principles, and terms, and ending with a poignant religious polemic.