Rabbi Yehuda Halevi was born in Spain during the time of the Ibn Ezra.
Rabbi Yehuda was a great poet who wrote numerous “piyutim” (poetry of prayer) and songs of praise to G-d. Besides his poetry Rabbi Yehuda was also a genius philosopher who wrote the famous book, the Kuzari.
In his beautiful songs Rabbi Yehuda Halevi expressed his deep love and great longing for the land of Israel. At the age of 60, Rabbi Yehuda fulfilled his dream and traveled to the Promised Land. It is told, that when he reached Jerusalem, he tore his clothes and fell down to his knees while reciting one of his most famous poems, “Tzion Halo Tishali Lishlom Asiraich” (a song which relates to the destruction of Jerusalem and the longing to see it rebuilt). An Arab horse rider who saw Rabbi Yehuda ran him over and killed him.
Rabbi Yehuda Halevi is buried in Kavul near Tsfat.