Rabbi Akiva Eiger עקיבא אייגער | |
|---|---|
 Engraving of Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1830’s) | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 8 November 1761 (11 Cheshvan 5522 Anno Mundi) |
| Died | 12 October 1837 (aged 75) (13 Tishrei 5598 Anno Mundi) |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Children | Solomon Eger Sarah Eger |
| Denomination | Orthodox Judaism |
| Occupation | Rabbi |
| Signature |  |
| Buried | Poznań |
| Residence | Markisch Friedland, Posen |
Rabbi Akiva Eiger (/eɪɡər/, also spelled Eger; Hebrew: עקיבא איגר, Yiddish: עקיבא אייגער), or Akiva Güns (8 November 1761 – 12 October 1837)[a] was a Talmudic scholar, halakhic decisor and leader of European Jewry during the early 19th century.
Eger is considered one of the greatest Talmudic scholars of modern times and among the most prominent. His name has become synonymous with Talmudic genius in Jewish scholarly culture, and his Torah is studied in the Batei Midrash of contemporary yeshivas. His methods of study and the logic he applied remain relevant today, unlike other Aharonim who tended towards Pilpul. In addition to his significant influence on the study of the Talmud and the works of the Rishonim, Rabbi Akiva Eger had a decisive impact in the field of halakha. His glosses printed on the margins of the Shulchan Aruch, as well as his responsa in his Shut works, are foundational elements in the world of daily halachic ruling and the realm of Dayanut.[1]
At the beginning of his career, he avoided taking on a rabbinical position involving halachic rulings but did not refrain from serving as a rosh yeshiva. Later, he served for 24 years as the rabbi of the town of Markisch-Friedland. His main public activity began when, after the efforts of his famous son-in-law, the Chatam Sofer, he was elected as the rabbi of the Polish district city of Posen, a position he held for 23 years, until his death.
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- ^ See all biographies of Reb Akiva Eger; for his influence in the 20th century, see the later ones.