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[backad for Weinberger,
Twilight of a Golden Age] "Abraham ibn Eza was one of the most important scholars in Spain during the 12th century, and the author of many books on philosophy, biblical commentaries, astronomy, Hebrew grammar, and mathematics. He was also the first to realize the need to translate the theoretical works of Jewish scholars in Al-Andalus from Arabic to Hebrew. As a sage-teacher he wandered all over Spain, Italy, France, and England, where, according to certain researchers, he died."Ibn Ezra is generally considered one of the most famous Jewish poets, his writing representing the Hebrew-Spanish culture in the Middle Ages as exemplified in
Twilight of the Golden Age... Unlike many other areas of Jewish studies, Hebrew poetry in general and Hebrew medieval poetry in particular, are hardly known to non-Hebrew readers. The publication of the selected poems of such an important writer is therefore very welcome." -
Jewish Culture and History "Weinberger offers the reader a rare opportunity to become intimately acquainted with... Abraham ibn Ezra, [who] also was known and admired in the non-Jewish world, and has been immortalized in Robert Browning's 'Rabbi Ben Ezra.' Weinberger is to be commended for making his poetry available in English, and for authoring a most valuable introduction to ibn Ezra's life and work." -
Menorah Review Other titles by Leon J. Weinberger: Anthology of Hebrew Poetry in Greece, Anatolia, and the BalkansEarly Synagogue Poets in the BalkansJewish Poets in CreteJewish Prince in Moslem Spain: Selected Poems of Samuel ibn NagrelaRabbanite and Karaite Liturgical Poetry in Southeastern EuropeRomaniote Penitential Poetry
About the author
Abraham Ibn Ezra (1089-1167) was a major Jewish writer and scholar in Al-Andalus or Muslim Spain. His writings span Jewish scholarship, theology, philosophy, astronomy, linguistics, and more. His works include
Sefer HaShem (Book of the Name), a theological work on the names of God;
Yesod Mora (Foundation of Awe), a treatise on Jewish philosophy and ethics;
Sefer HaIbbur (Book of Intercalation), a work on the Jewish calendar and astronomy;
Commentary on the Torah, his extensive biblical commentaries, particularly on the Pentateuch; and
Sefer Tzachot (Book of Purity), a work on Hebrew grammar.
Leon J. Weinberger is the author of
Anthology of Hebrew Poetry in Greece, Anatolia, and the Balkans; Early Synagogue Poets in the Balkans; Jewish Poets in Crete Jewish Prince in Moslem Spain: Selected Poems of Samuel ibn Nagrela;
Rabbanite and Karaite Liturgical Poetry in Southeastern Europe; and
Romaniote Penitential Poetry.
Summary
“Weinberger offers the reader a rare opportunity to become intimately acquainted with… Abraham ibn Ezra, [who] also was known and admired in the non-Jewish world, and has been immortalized in Robert Browning’s ‘Rabbi Ben Ezra.’ Weinberger is to be commended for making his poetry available in English, and for authoring a most valuable introduction to ibn Ezra’s life and work.” – Menorah Review
