Jacob ben Meir, (1100, Ramerupt–9 June 1171 (4 tammuz), Troyes), best known as Rabbeinu Tam, was one of the most renowned French Tosafists, a leading halakhic authority in his generation, and a grandson of Rashi. Known as "Rabbeinu" (our teacher), he acquired the Hebrew suffix "Tam" meaning straightforward; it was originally used in the Book of Genesis to describe his biblical namesake, Jacob.
Biography
Jacob ben Meir was born in the French country village of Ramerupt, in the Aube département of northern-central France, to Meir ben Shmuel and Yocheved, daughter of Rashi. His primary t...