Eliezer ben Nathan
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Rabbi Eliezer ben Nathan of Mayence (1090-1170) was a Jewish poet and writer. Raaven is the acronym for his Hebrew name. As an early Rishon, he was a contemporary of the Rashbam and Rabbeinu Tam, he was one of the earliest of the Tosafists. The Rosh was among his descendants. His commentary comprises Halachic discussions.
His chronicle, Persecution of 1096, vividly described the violence that occurred against the Jewish communities during the German Crusade, part of the First Crusade. It expressed great hatred towards Christian crusaders, and wrestled with the matter of why God would allowed so many Jews to be massacred. He strongly disliked all crusaders. They forced him to flee his town and slaughtered many of his friends and loved ones. These crusades have strongly affected him and held his place in history. His records have helped our further knowledge of crusades.
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