Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, also known as the Vilna Gaon, was an influential Jewish scholar and leader in the 18th century. Born in 1720 in Vilnius, Lithuania, he became renowned for his deep knowledge of Jewish texts, including the Talmud and Kabbalah. His teachings emphasized the importance of studying scripture and adhering to Jewish law. The Vilna Gaon was a key figure in the Haskalah, or Jewish Enlightenment, advocating for education and intellectual engagement. He opposed the rising Hasidic movement, promoting a more traditional approach to Judaism. His legacy continues to impact Jewish thought and practice today.