Isaac Ibn-albalia

Isaac Ibn-Albalia a Jewish writer of great distinction, was born at Cordova. about 1035. He manifested at an early age superior talents and great thirst for learning. Besides the study of the Talmud, and of philosophy, he was eager for the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of astronomy and the mathematical sciences, and when thirty years old began a commentary on the most difficult parts of the Talmud, under the title Kupat ha-Rochelim. but it was so extensive a work that he did not live long enough to complete it. He also attempted an astronomical work on the principle of the Jewish mode of calculating the calendar, under the title Ibbur (about 1065). Becoming a favorite of the reigning prince of Spain, he was honored with the distinguished position of nasi and grand rabbi of the Jews of that domain. , He died about 1094. See Gratz, Gesch. d. Juden, 6:72. (J. H. W.)