ABSTRACT
Saadya ben Joseph Alfayumi (882942) Born in Egypt, Saadya became the leader or “Gaon” of the Babylonian Jewish community. He issued virulent attacks against the powerful Karaite movement, which rejected the authority of Rabbinic Judaism. Saadya is reputed to be the first medieval philosopher to write monographs on topics of Jewish law and the first to write in Arabic. Saadya was also the first Jew to elaborate systematic and formal proofs for the existence of God. He took an interest in liturgy, grammar, and astrology. His theological and mystical writings on the Shekhinah (divine presence) and the Rua# haQodesh (spirit of God) influenced medieval HASIDISM and KABBALAH. He is best known for his major philosophical work, The Book of Beliefs and Opinions, for his systematic compilation of the prayer book, and for his liturgical poems.
