The Rambam
What does the acronym “Rambam” stand for?
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon
Who was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s famous teacher?
Rabbi Akiva
From which country did Jews travel before settling in France and Germany?
Italy
What does the name “Rashi” stand for?
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki
In what year did the First Crusade begin?
1096
In which city and country was the Rambam born?
Cordoba, Spain
How many years did Rashbi and his son hide in a cave?
13 years
Why did many Jews become merchants and money-lenders?
They were forbidden from owning land
To which city did Rashi travel to study at age 20?
Worms
What were violent anti-Jewish attacks called?
Pogroms
Which strict group forced the Rambam’s family to flee?
The Almohads
What number does the Hebrew word “Lag” represent?
33
What does the title “Meor HaGolah” mean?
Light of the Exile
How did Rashi earn a living in Troyes?
He owned a vineyard
Which TWO countries expelled their Jewish populations?
England and France
Who appointed the Rambam as court physician?
Sultan Saladin
What does the word “Zohar” mean in English?
Splendor or Radiance
Which group often had as much power as feudal lords?
The clergy
What does “Pshat” mean in Rashi’s commentary?
The simple meaning
Give ONE reason Crusaders attacked Jewish communities in Europe.
They blamed Jews OR wanted Jewish money/property
Name the TWO famous books written by the Rambam.
Mishneh Torah and The Guide for the Perplexed
Name TWO reasons why Lag B’Omer is celebrated as a joyful day.
The plague stopped among Rabbi Akiva’s students AND it is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Why did strong kings generally protect the Jews?
Jews helped the economy grow through trade and taxes.
What was the last word Rashi wrote before he passed away?
Tahor (“Pure”)
Why did many Ashkenazi Jews move toward Eastern Europe?
Conditions in Western Europe became dangerous and violent