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.

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 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.

Alexis Bachelot was ordained in Paris and sent as a missionary to the Hawaiian Islands in 1827. As Vicar Apostolic, he established the first Catholic mission and championed the rights of native Hawaiians. His efforts to build churches and schools faced opposition from Protestant missionaries and colonial authorities. In 1831, he was expelled by the British consul and continued his missionary work briefly in Tahiti. Bachelot's pioneering mission laid the foundation for the growth of Catholicism in Hawaii and the Pacific.

Jean-Baptiste Salpointe was born in France and ordained as a Roman Catholic priest before emigrating to the United States. He was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Arizona, where he established missions and served diverse frontier communities. In 1885, Salpointe became the first resident bishop of Tucson and later the first Archbishop of Santa Fe. He championed Catholic education by founding schools, seminaries, and religious communities in the American Southwest. His leadership strengthened the church’s presence in remote areas and supported the integration of immigrant and Native American populations. Salpointe’s pastoral work laid the groundwork for the modern Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He is remembered for his dedication to missionary outreach and education.

Born Clarence Edward Smith, Clarence 13X was originally a member of the Nation of Islam before establishing his own movement in Harlem in 1964. He introduced teachings that emphasized divine identity and self-empowerment, laying the foundation for what became the Nation of Gods and Earths. His charismatic leadership attracted a diverse following, influencing hip-hop culture and urban communities. Clarence's doctrine combined elements of Islam, numerology, and Black nationalism. He led the organization until his death in 1969, leaving a legacy that persists in contemporary religious and cultural circles.