Isaac ben Samuel

12th-century French Tosafist

Isaac ben Samuel, also referred to as the Ri ha-Zaken, was a prominent figure in 12th-century French Judaism. He was a renowned tosafist, which denotes his involvement in the development of the Tosafot, a commentary on the Talmud. Additionally, he was a Biblical commentator, indicating his expertise in interpreting sacred Jewish texts.

Isaac ben Samuel was active in Ramerupt and Dampierre, France, during the 12th century. His influence extended to his family, as he was the father of Elhanan ben Isaac of Dampierre, suggesting a legacy of scholarly pursuits. As a tosafist and commentator, Isaac ben Samuel contributed to the rich intellectual heritage of French Judaism during this period, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Jewish studies.