Mind-Benders of Jewish History
A German Tosafist who became the chief rabbi of Toledo, Spain
The Rosh, Rabbeinu Asher ben Yechiel, was a German sage and close disciple of the Maharam of Rothenburg. Fleeing persecution, he left Ashkenaz and eventually settled in Toledo, Spain, where he became chief rabbi — an Ashkenazic master transplanted into the heart of Sepharad, whose son would go on to write the Tur.
How we know
Asher ben Yechiel (c.1250–1327), born in the German lands, disciple of the Maharam of Rothenburg. He fled c.1303, reaching Toledo c.1305, where he served as chief rabbi until his death in 1327. His son Yaakov authored the Arba'ah Turim.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.