Mind-Benders of Jewish History
Rabbeinu Tam was a small boy while his grandfather Rashi was still alive
Rabbeinu Tam, the towering Tosafist, was Rashi's own grandson — the son of Rashi's daughter Yocheved. Born around 1100, he was a child of about five when Rashi passed away in 1105. Grandfather and grandson shared the same world, however briefly.
How we know
Rabbeinu Tam (Yaakov ben Meir) born c. 1100 in Ramerupt, son of Yocheved bat Rashi; Rashi died in 1105 — Rabbeinu Tam was about 5.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.