Rabbeinu Chananel (c. 980–1055) was probably born in Southern Italy,[1] likely Bari,[2] an important rabbinic center in the late geonic period.
[3] While waiting for his son to join him, Chushiel settled instead in Kairouan (modern Tunisia), at the time under the rule of Zirid Emirs on behalf of the Fatimids.
The commentary, only parts of which survive, addresses sections of the Talmud relevant to legal practice at the time of writing: the orders Moed, Nashim, and Nezikin.
[citation needed] An edition of the commentary published by Vagshal covers tractate Berachot and order Moed, which also includes the Sefer ha-Mafteaḥ of his colleague Nissim Gaon.
Other works by Rabbeinu Chananel include responsa; a number of Rishonim attribute to him the anonymous "Sefer ha-Miktzo'ot," decisions on ritual law.