Solomon Petit

Solomon Petit was a prominent 13th-century French Tosafist who played a significant role in the Jewish community of his time. He eventually settled in Acre, Palestine, where he attracted a devoted following of mystics. Petit's teachings and influence, however, were not without controversy, as he spearheaded a campaign against the philosophical writings of the renowned Maimonides. This movement marked a significant development in the ongoing debates surrounding Maimonides' ideas.

Petit's actions did not go unchallenged, as the Exilarch of Damascus, Yishai ben Chezkiah, took notice of the renewed agitation against Maimonides. In response, the Exilarch threatened Petit with excommunication, a sanction that was ultimately invoked. Undeterred by this opposition, Petit embarked on a mission to Europe, seeking to garner support for his position from German rabbis. His efforts were focused on collecting endorsements from these prominent religious leaders, in an attempt to legitimize his stance against Maimonides' philosophical works.