Nissim Ben Jacob - Definition and Overview

Rabbi Nissim Ben Jacob (Rav Nissim Gaon, 990-1062) is best known today for his Talmudic commentary HaMafteach.

Biography

Rav Nissim studied at the Kairouan Yeshiva, initally under his father, Jacob ben Nissim, and then under Chushiel, who succeeeded Jacob as head of the Yeshiva. Nissim himself later became head of the Yeshiva; in this capacity he is closely associated with Chananel son of Chushiel. His most famous student is probably Isaac Alfasi. Rav Nissim maintained an active correspondence with Hai Gaon and with Shmuel Hanaggid. Some consider Nissim and Chananel to constitute the first generation of Rishonim.

Works

The commentary Sefer Mafteach Manulei Hatalmud (The book of the Key to the Talmud - HaMafteach) on some of the tractates is included on the main pages of many editions. The work is essentially a Talmudic cross-reference. In it Rav Nissim brings down sources for Mishnaic quotes, identifying obscure allusions to other places in Talmudic literature.

External links

• Nissim Ben Jacob Ben Nissim Ibn Shahin (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=307&letter=N&search=Nissim), jewishencyclopedia.com
• Nissim Ben Jacob (http://www.jewishhistory.org.il/900.htm#Nissim), jewishhistory.org
• Sefer ha-Mafteah (http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/TalmudMap/OtherComs.html#Nissim), Prof. Eliezer Segal
• R' Nissim ben Yaakov z"l (http://www.torah.org.il/learning/hamaayan/5758/vayeitzei.html), torah.org

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