Midrash of Rabbi Moshe Alshich on the Torah

Translator: Eliyahu Munk

The author, Rabbi Moshe ben Chayim Alshich (hakadosh), was born in Adrianople in 1508 and died in Damascus about the year 1600. He was Rabbi in Safed and Damascus, ordained by Rabbi Joseph Karo. Although he wrote no fewer than 1400 responsa, his fame spread due to his eloquence as a preacher. He was probably the most popular preacher of his century. His Torah commentary is based on sermons delivered throughout his long career. He also wrote commentaries on almost the entire Bible. His allegorical method of interpretation coupled with meticulous attention to every detail in the written text, represents a happy medium between the rational and mystical approach. He emphasises first and foremost theMussar, the moral ethical lessons to be derived from the Torah. 

The translator, Eliyahu Munk, was born in Frankfurt on Main, where he received his education at the Samson Rafael Hirsch Realschule, and the Yeshiva of the late Rabbi Joseph Breuer, of blessed memory. He continued his education at the Yeshiva in Gateshead, England. He served in Jewish education (primarily as a teacher) for almost 30 years in Toronto, Canada.