Judah Ibn Tibbon

Judah ben Saul Ibn Tibbon, known as “the father of the translators,” was born in Granada, Spain, but fled to Lunel, France, most likely due to the Almohad persecutions. There, he headed a family that became known for their numerous translations of Arabic and Judeo-Arabic works into Hebrew, a project that covered philosophical, medical, and linguistic works. Judah Ibn Tibbon was likely supported in this effort by one of Lunel’s leading Jews, Meshullam ben Jacob. In addition to making many works available in Hebrew, one of Judah’s lasting contributions was the creation of a new technical language that would convey Arabic philosophical terminology. His well-known “Ethical Will” sets forth many of the rules that he hoped would guide his children’s behavior. His descendants continued Judah’s translation activity for at least two generations.