The Rosh is a singular person in Jewish history in that he led both Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews. In this first of a two-part lecture, Rabbi Wein discusses the Rosh's Ashkenazic origins and his close relationship with his mentor, the Maharam. His devotion to his teacher, seen in his depletion of his own funds to help the Maharam in his imprisonment, is a poignant example of righteousness, loyalty, and persistence for Torah scholarship under the worst of conditions.