Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda was a judge (dayan) and thinker in 11th-century Spain, probably in Saragossa. He is the author of Chovot HaLevavot (“Duties of the Heart”), one of the most beloved works of Jewish ethics.
He wrote the book in Arabic, arguing that alongside the commandments performed by the body there are duties of the heart – faith, trust in God, humility, repentance, self-examination and love of God – that are no less binding and are often neglected. It was translated into Hebrew by Rabbi Yehuda ibn Tibbon in the 12th century and has been studied ever since.
A grave near Tzfat is venerated by local tradition as that of “Rabbeinu Bachya.” Historical sources do not record where Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda was buried, and it is possible that the tradition refers to another sage of the same name.
