Paltoy Ga’on

Paltoy bar Abbaye Ga’on, head of the Pumbedita academy (at the time located on the Euphrates, in Iraq) from 842 to 857, is one of the earliest geonic figures for whom we have reliable biographical information. Paltoy’s long tenure as gaon enabled him to shore up the weaker standing of his academy relative to the Sura academy and to develop connections with far-flung Jewish communities. He reportedly sent copies of the Talmud with “its explanation” to Spain. Paltoy is also known for encouraging the study of Talmud over relying on newer collections of legal decisions.