Elijah of Vilna, also known as the Vilna Gaon, was a prominent 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 a return to traditional Jewish practices and a focus on study and prayer. The Vilna Gaon was influential in the development of Hasidism and Mitnagdim, two significant movements within Judaism. He opposed the mystical aspects of Hasidism, advocating for a more rational approach to faith. Elijah's legacy continues to impact Jewish thought and scholarship today.