From France to Provence: The Influence of Ribash on Radak's Commentary on the Pentateuch

Abstract

This article examines whether Rabbi David Kimhi (Radak) was familiar with the commentary on the Pentateuch written by Rabbi Joseph Bekhor Shor (Ribash). Focusing specifically on their two commentaries on Genesis, the author assesses the geographical and cultural plausibility of the connection; analyzes internal references in Radaks commentary; highlights linguistic similarities, including identical turns of phrase, in the works of the two rabbis; outlines a sampling of unique shared interpretations; and points out implicit polemical allusions. In concluding that Radak most probably did know Ribashs commentary and use it, the author observes that this familiarity attests to the popularity of Ribashs work. He also addresses the question, why did Radak not mention Ribash by name?