Day of Hilula
Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra (the Raba'a)
א׳ באדר א
Unknown — possibly in one of the European cities where he wandered
In Jewish tradition, the day of a tzadik's passing — the 'Hilula' — is not a day of mourning, but a day of spiritual elevation and awakening. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, on this day the soul of the tzadik ascends to a higher realm, and their light and merits shine upon the world. Many Jews mark the day through Torah study, reciting Tehillim, lighting a memorial candle, and good deeds for the elevation of the soul — to connect with the tzadik's path and qualities.
His Life and Legacy
The Raba'a's legacy is among the deepest and most enduring in the history of Torah and biblical study. His commentary, adhering to the plain sense and independent criticism, became a model for the scientific study of Scripture, and profoundly influenced Nahmanides, Rashbam, and generations of commentators. In the modern era the Raba'a influenced Spinoza, who saw him as a source of inspiration for early biblical criticism. His grammar books laid the foundation for the study of the Hebrew language, and his scientific works spread Arab scientific wisdom among the Jews of Europe. His life was one of unceasing creation, despite his wanderings and personal trials, and his figure as commentator, grammarian, poet, and man of science became a symbol of a free and curious spirit that combines faith and reason.
"The plain sense is the essence — on the priority of the plain sense of Scripture over midrash, from his commentary"