Litvaks are Jews from the region of Lithuania and surrounding areas, known for their distinct cultural and religious practices. They are part of the broader Ashkenazi Jewish community and have a rich history that includes a strong emphasis on education and scholarship, particularly in Talmudic studies. Historically, Litvaks were known for their unique dialect of Yiddish and their contributions to Jewish intellectual life. Many prominent Jewish thinkers, such as Rabbi Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, also known as the Vilna Gaon, emerged from this community, influencing Jewish thought and practice across the world.