Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon
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| Born | 1120 |
| Died | c. 1190 |
| Known for | translations |
| Children | Samuel ibn Tibbon |
Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon (born 1120 – died after 1190) was a very important Jewish scholar. He worked as a translator and a doctor.
Judah was born in Granada, Spain. In 1150, he had to leave Spain. This was likely because of unfair treatment by a group called the Almohades. He moved to Lunel in southern France. Another famous traveler, Benjamin of Tudela, wrote about Judah working as a doctor there in 1160. Judah passed away around 1190 in Marseille, France.
Judah was good friends with Meshullam ben Jacob and his two sons, Asher and Aaron. He even told his own son, Samuel, to be friends with them. He was also close to Abraham ben David of Posquières and Zerahiah ha-Levi. Judah respected Zerahiah ha-Levi as a greater scholar than himself.
Contents
What Judah ibn Tibbon Translated
Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon was famous for translating important books. He translated them from Arabic into Hebrew. This helped many Jewish scholars in Europe read these works.
Key Translations by Judah ibn Tibbon
- Bahya ibn Paquda's Chovot ha-Levavot: This book's Arabic title meant "The Duties of the Heart." It talks about how people should act and feel in their hearts. Judah started translating it in 1161. His translation became the most popular version.
- Solomon ibn Gabirol's Tikkun Middot ha-Nefesh: This book was about improving one's character and soul. It was printed with the "Duties of the Heart" in 1550.
- Judah ha-Levi's Kitab al-Ḥujjah (Sefer ha-Kuzari in Hebrew): Judah translated this book in 1167. It is a famous work about Jewish philosophy and faith. Judah's translation became the standard one.
- Two works by Ibn Janah:
* Kitab al-Luma' (Sefer ha-Rikmah in Hebrew): This was a grammar book. It helped people understand the rules of the Hebrew language. Judah finished this translation in 1171. His introduction to this book is very interesting. It shares his ideas on how to translate well. * Kitab al-Uṣul' (Sefer ha-Shorashim in Hebrew): This was a dictionary of Hebrew words. Judah completed this dictionary in 1171.
- Saadia's Kitab al-Amanat wal-I'tiḳadat (Sefer ha-Emunot weha-De'ot in Hebrew): This book, translated in 1186, discusses Jewish beliefs and ideas. It was first printed in 1562.
Judah's Advice to His Son
Judah wrote a special letter of advice to his son, Samuel. This letter is called an "ethical will." It gives us a great look into Judah's thoughts and his relationship with his son. Samuel also became a famous scholar and translator.
Judah told Samuel to practice writing in Arabic. He explained that important Jewish leaders, like Samuel ha-Nagid, gained their positions because they could write well in Arabic. He also urged Samuel to be a good person. He wanted him to study the Torah and other subjects, including medicine.
Advice on Books and Learning
Judah gave his son excellent advice about books and libraries. He called his library his "best treasure" and his "best companion." He saw his bookshelves as "the most beautiful pleasure-gardens."
He wrote:
I have collected a large library for thy sake so that thou needest never borrow a book of any one. As thou thyself seest, most students run hither and thither searching for books without being able to find them. . . . Look over thy Hebrew books every month, thy Arabic ones every two months, thy bound books every three months. Keep thy library in order, so that thou wilt not need to search for a book. Prepare a list of the books on each shelf, and place each book on its proper shelf. Take care also of the loose, separate leaves in thy books, because they contain exceedingly important things which I myself have collected and written down. Lose no writing and no letter which I leave thee. . . . Cover thy book-shelves with beautiful curtains, protect them from water from the roof, from mice, and from all harm, because they are thy best treasure.
This shows how much Judah valued books and learning. He wanted his son to take good care of them. He also gave Samuel smart advice on how to be a good doctor. He stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
See also
In Spanish: Judá ben Saúl ibn Tibbón para niños
- Ibn Tibbon a family list.
- Hachmei Provence
