February 22

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) was born in Troyes, France in 1040 as the son of a rabbinic family. He authored concise and insightful commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and Talmud that clarified complex passages for future generations. His approach blended earlier interpretations with his own analyses, making advanced texts accessible to students and scholars alike. Known for his lucid writing style and deep understanding, Rashi's works became foundational in Jewish education. He established a methodological standard still followed in yeshivot around the world. He passed away in 1105, and his legacy endures through the numerous editions and translations of his commentaries.

Ascending the throne during the Hundred Years' War at the age of 19, he faced English occupation and internal dissent. He reorganized the French army and administration, recovering key territories and reinforcing the monarchy. His support for Joan of Arc led to major victories, notably the lifting of the siege of Orléans and Charles's coronation at Reims. Under his reign, France reclaimed Normandy and Aquitaine, reversing decades of English dominance. He fostered economic recovery and strengthened royal finances, laying foundations for future stability. He died in 1461, leaving a more united and powerful French kingdom.

Born in March 1440 after the death of his father, he was called Ladislaus the Posthumous. Crowned King of Bohemia and Hungary as an infant, his reign was dominated by powerful regents and nobles. He spent most of his life under guardianship, with limited personal authority over his realms. His rule saw ongoing conflicts with the Habsburgs and internal factions vying for power. He died suddenly in 1457 at the age of 17 under mysterious circumstances, ending his short reign. Despite his youth, his story reflects the turbulence of Central European politics in the 15th century.

Born into an Italian noble family in 1500, he rose rapidly within the Catholic hierarchy. Appointed cardinal in 1536, he played a key role in church diplomacy during the Reformation. He served as papal legate in Germany, working to counter Protestant movements and negotiate peace. A patron of the arts and scholarship, he supported humanist learning and the publication of religious texts. Known for his political acumen, he shaped papal policy and European alliances in the mid-16th century. He died in 1564, remembered as a significant figure in the Counter-Reformation.

Born in 1514, he succeeded his father Shah Ismail I as ruler of Persia at the age of 10. His long reign saw the consolidation of Safavid power and defense against Ottoman and Uzbek invasions. He implemented administrative and military reforms to strengthen his empire. Tahmasp was a great patron of the arts, overseeing a golden age of Persian miniature painting and architecture. He maintained relative internal stability and fostered cultural achievements during a period of external threats. He died in 1576 after more than six decades on the throne, leaving a vibrant cultural legacy.

Born in 1520 in Kraków, he became one of the foremost Talmudic authorities of his time. His seminal work, the Darkhei Moshe, provided Ashkenazi glosses on Rabbi Joseph Caro's legal code, the Shulchan Aruch. By integrating local customs into this foundational text, he ensured its acceptance across diverse Jewish communities. He authored responsa and commentaries that guided religious practice in Poland and beyond. Respected for his erudition and piety, he taught many students who became leading scholars. He died in 1572, and his contributions continue to shape Jewish law today.

Born in 1550 into the prestigious House of Arenberg, he inherited the title of Prince at an early age. He served as a diplomat for the Habsburgs, representing their interests in Spain and the Low Countries. His patronage supported artists and architects, contributing to the Renaissance culture in his domains. Known for his skills in negotiation, he played a role in treaties and alliances across Europe. He managed his estates with attention to economic development and the welfare of his subjects. He died in 1616, remembered as an astute statesman and patron of the arts.

Born in 1592 and educated at Cambridge, he emerged as a respected Anglican scholar. In 1626, he established the Little Gidding community in Huntingdonshire to pursue a life of prayer, work, and study. The community attracted figures like George Herbert and became known for its devotional manuscript production. Ferrar's model of disciplined communal living influenced later religious movements and High Church practices. He fostered education and charity in his parish, emphasizing a balance of spiritual and practical duties. He died in 1637, leaving a legacy that influenced the development of Anglican devotion.

Born in 1631, he became a prominent scholar of Danish language and literature. He compiled collections of Danish proverbs and folk songs, preserving oral traditions for future generations. As a clergyman, he served parishes while conducting linguistic research and editing medieval Danish texts. His work laid the foundations for Danish philology and cultural identity in the 17th century. He published one of the earliest dictionaries of the Danish language, systematizing vocabulary and grammar. He died in 1702, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in Scandinavian scholarship.

Born in 1649 into a family of artists, he trained under renowned French painters in Paris. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome and studied classical art in Italy, absorbing Baroque influences. Upon his return, he executed decorative frescoes in royal palaces and churches, showcasing dynamic compositions. His paintings combined dramatic light, refined color palettes, and meticulous detail characteristic of the era. He taught at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, shaping the next generation of French artists. He died in 1717, remembered for his contributions to the grandeur of French Baroque art.

Born in Paris, Charles-Nicolas Cochin became a leading engraver at the court of Louis XV. He produced intricate illustrations of royal events and published influential treatises on drawing and calligraphy. A member of the French Royal Academy, his work helped define the Rococo aesthetic in graphic arts. He collaborated with architects and designers to document grand ceremonies, processions, and architectural projects. Cochin's legacy endures in collections across Europe and in the continued study of 18th-century French decorative art.

Born in Virginia, George Washington served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership at key battles, including Yorktown, secured independence for the United States. Elected unanimously as the first U.S. President, he set enduring precedents for the executive branch. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, shaping the nation's foundational document. His commitment to civic virtue and neutrality in foreign affairs influenced the young republic. Retiring to his Mount Vernon estate, he remains a symbol of American leadership and integrity.