Preservation, Creativity, and Courage: The Life and Works of R. Meir of Rothenburg

Abstract

The rabbinic cultureof medieval Ashkenaz (northern France and Germany) produced a series of outstanding scholars who in turn led their students and communities in matters both spiritual and temporal. Four major studies on the life and career of R. Meir (Maharam) of Rothenburg published during the past century have focused attention on the significant role that he played. 1 His death in 1293, some seven hundred years ago, signaled the end of the period of the Tosafists. My goal here is to briefly highlight and analyze some of Maharam's accomplishments and methodologies, with special attention to issues that have been raised in recent research.