The Set Table
Rabbis Behind the Wines
For which historic personalities are these kosher wines named?
Image: Levi Hastings
Rashi
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki
1040–1105 France
Best known for his comprehensive commentaries on the Tanakh and Talmud. He lived in the Champagne region and may have worked in wine production.
Image: Levi Hastings
Alfasi
Rabbi Yitzchak ben Yaakov Alfasi ha-Cohen
1013–1103 Morocco & Spain
Spent most of his life in Fez writing commentaries and teaching. His students included the poet Yehudah HaLevi.
Image: Levi Hastings
Bartenura
Rabbi Ovadia ben Avraham of Bartenura
1445–1515 Italy & Jerusalem
Became a spiritual, intellectual, and moral leader in Jerusalem for Jews living there, as well as for newly arrived Spanish exiles.
Image: Levi Hastings
Sforno
Rabbi Ovadia ben Yaakov Sforno
1475–1550 Italy
Biblical commentator and scholar of Hebrew, rabbinics, math, philosophy, and medicine. He dedicated some works to his friend King Henry II of France.
