Rabbi Meir ben Baruch
Maharam of Rothenburg
Era of the RishonimMaharam of Rothenburg (Rabbi Meir ben Baruch) was the foremost sage of Ashkenaz in his generation. He was imprisoned by the emperor and died in captivity, and he was not ransomed so that the imprisonment of rabbis would not become a source of revenue for the ruling authorities. H…
Biography
Maharam of Rothenburg (Rabbi Meir ben Baruch) was the foremost sage of Ashkenaz in his generation. He was imprisoned by the emperor and died in captivity, and he was not ransomed so that the imprisonment of rabbis would not become a source of revenue for the ruling authorities. His responsa became a foundation of Ashkenazic custom.
Life Story
Childhood
He was from Worms.
Teachers
Rabbi Isaac of Vienna, Rabbi Samson of Sens.
Students
Rabbi Meir ha-Kohen, the Rosh.
Key Events
Leadership of the Ashkenazic communities, imprisonment in Ensisheim, refusal of ransom.
Influence
His responsa and halachic rulings became a foundation of Ashkenazic custom.
Death
He died in prison, and his body was not released until years later.
Writings
Teshuvot Maharam of Rothenburg
Halacha
Responsa on halacha and custom.
Tosafot Tov
Talmud
Tosafot on the Talmud.
His Way and Views
Halacha
Ashkenazic halachic ruling and practice.
Faith
He gave up his life rather than allow himself to be ransomed.
Character
Resolute and God-fearing.
Public Role
Leader of Ashkenazic Jewry.
Famous Quotes
"Jewish captives are not ransomed for more than their value."
Students
Teachers
Timeline
Birth
Imprisonment
Death in prison