Q&A: Rabbi Akiva Eger
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Rabbi Akiva Eger
Question
Could the Rabbi please write a few words about what the “magic” is in Rabbi Akiva Eger? In his glosses on the Talmud (that’s unfortunately all I know), there are many good difficulties and references showing broad mastery, but each difficulty on its own seems fairly standard to me, like what you find among all the other later authorities. Would the Rabbi be willing to do me a favor and write a short answer about this?
Answer
If all you know is his glosses on the Talmud, then you do not know who Rabbi Akiva Eger is. Though even there the breadth of knowledge is impressive. If you read the responsa, and especially Derush VeChiddush, I won’t need to write anything at all.