Rashi's traditions and teachings were preserved by his grandchildren, the Baalei Tosfos, and of these, Rabbeinu Tam emerges as the most powerful. From their disputes to their contributions, Rabbi Wein reveals the origins of the Ashkenazic tradition of Talmud study for each and every Jew.

• responsa that give the flavor of Jewish life in the Middle Ages
• the origins of the Usaneh Tokef prayer of Yom Kippur
• the Rashbam, the conduit for our appreciation of Rashi
• the kidnapping and rescue of Rabbeinu Tam in the Second Crusade