Geonim (jan 1, 589 – jan 1, 1038)
Description:
The Geonim were the rabbinic leaders of the two great yeshivot of Sura and Pumpedita in Babylon. They taught and interpreted the Mishnah and Gemara, and their legal rulings were followed throughout the Jewish world. The Geonim applied the teachings in the Mishnah and Gemara as a functioning legal system of halacha, and ruled on disputes that were left unresolved in the Mishnah and Gemara.The halachic rulings of the Geonim were compiled into several compendia by the early Rishonim.
Other leading rabbis during these years are also sometimes referred to as Geonim.
When the yeshivot in Sura and Pumpedita closed due to persecution, the era of the Geonim came to an end.
Important figures: Hai Gaon, Saadia Gaon, Rabbeinu Chananel.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 589
jan 1, 1038
~ 449 years