Responding to the attraction of Islamic philosophy to Jews living in Muslim lands, Sa’adia composed a highly influential work in the 10th-century Kalam style that influenced generations of thinkers. A pugnacious and principled thinker, he engaged in several heated debates with politically powerful rivals including David ben Zakkai, who forced Sa’adia into exile. When ben Zakkai and his son predeceased Sa’adia, the Gaon took the orphaned grandson into his home and cared for him as his own child.
Featuring Rabbi Ya’akov Trump. Part III of the #LettersFlyingFree series at Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst.
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