Ethical Will

Judah Ibn Tibbon

Late 12th Century

Illustration of two golden-haloed figures in robes, one white-haired and bearded and the other younger, holding hands and gesturing.
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While the “Ethical Will” of Judah Ibn Tibbon—written for his son Samuel—contains the usual tropes of this genre, such as charges to pursue wisdom and behave virtuously, it also includes several elements that make it unique, such as sharp criticisms of his son’s laziness, criticisms that are surprising given that Samuel later became an important translator in his own right. In keeping with Judah Ibn Tibbon’s cultural background and commitments, the text echoes important elements of the Arabic genre of ethical wills, or bequest literature, known as waṣīya.

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Creator Bio

Judah Ibn Tibbon

1120–after 1190

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.

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