State of Israel Medal to Commemorate the 900th Anniversary of Rashi's Death The revered and esteemed commentator on the Bible and Talmud, writer, poet, rabbinic authority " Rashi was all of these " and more. Known by the initials of his name, Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, the Hebrew letters also stand for Rabban Shel Yisrael " Teacher of Israel. Born in Troyes, France in 1040 to a family which could trace its roots to King David, Rashi studied at the great academies at Worms and Mainz with the leading scholars of the age including R. Jacob ben Yakar and Rabbenu Gershon "Light unto the Diaspora". During these years he began writing his enlightening commentaries on the Bible and Talmud - clear, concise explanations that Rashi made easily understandable. Returning to Troyes, he established his own academy which attracted students and scholars from all parts of France and Germany. Rashi had only daughters but these daughters excelled in wisdom and married renowned scholars.