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Rabbi Levi Ben Gershom (Gersonides, 1288-1344), one of medieval Judaism's most interesting figures, was known not only as a philosopher, exegete, and halakhist but also a contributor to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Menachem Kellner's new translation of his Commentary on the Song of Songs brings to English-language readers a work that draws together many important elements of Gersonides' thought: philosophical theology, philosophy of science, biblical exegesis, and Aristotle/Averroes commentary. Kellner provides an introduction and annotations that enhance this volume as an example of medieval Jewish commentary and medieval philosophical thought. Gersonides' reveals in this commentary his belief that this poem is the only book in the Bible written to teach the ultimate truths of the universe to the elite while being of no outward benefit to the masses. Menachem Kellner is Wolfson Professor of Jewish Thought at the University of Haifa.
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