I had the pleasure of dining in the sukkah with a noted historian who specializes Medieval Jewish History. He made several comments I would like to share. We focused upon contrasts between Ashkenaz and Sepharad.
Both Ash and Seph had brilliant Talmudists and Paytanim.
Seph Talmudists included Rif, Rambam, Rashba, Re'ah, etc.
Ash included, Rashi and literally dozens of Tosafists
Seph. Paytanim include many classic poets
Avraham and Moshe Ibn Ezra, Ibn Gabirol, and Y'udah haLevi
Ashk, had the K'lonymides, Baruch of Mainz etc.
However, there was a significant difference.
Sephardim seemed to specialize, E.G., the 4 aforementioned Seph paytanim were not known as leading Talmudists. And the Seph Talmudists were not known as leading Paytanim.
OTOH in Ashkenaz, the famous Paytanim were often outstanding Talmudists, and vice versa. IIRC Rabbeinu Tam wrote a few pieces himself.
We did not discuss the pluses and minuses of the two cultures, just the contrasts. Seph was more compartmentalized. Ash. Had more "kol bo" types.
Next: the similarities and contrasts between Rambam and Tosafos.
Shalom
RRW
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