Ovadiah of Bartenura
Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura, born in the 15th century in Italy, is one of the most celebrated Jewish commentators of the Mishnah. His full name is Ovadiah ben Abraham of Bertinoro, often abbreviated as Ovadiah Bartenura. He is renowned for his lucid and comprehensive commentary on the Mishnah, which has become a staple in Jewish learning and is still widely studied to this day.
In the late 15th century, Ovadiah of Bartenura decided to leave Italy and make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His journey took him through various countries, and he eventually settled in Jerusalem. During his travels, he wrote detailed letters describing his experiences, observations, and the Jewish communities he encountered along the way. These letters provide valuable insights into the geography, demography, and social conditions of the regions he visited during that period.
Beyond his travels, Rabbi Ovadiah's contributions to Jewish scholarship and communal life in Jerusalem were significant. He served as a spiritual leader and was instrumental in revitalizing the Jewish community in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. His works, especially his commentary on the Mishnah and his travel letters, have left a lasting legacy in the study of Jewish texts and the history of Jewish pilgrimage.