Rashbam רשב״ם
Rashi's grandson, who argued with him about the plain sense
Rashbam was the elder brother of Rabbeinu Tam and Rashi's grandson through his mother. He studied with his grandfather and, by the account, argued with him over interpretation; Rashi is said to have admitted that if he had the strength he would rewrite his commentary "following the plain senses that are renewed every day."
His own commentary on the Torah is consistent to the point of discomfort. Where a verse can be understood literally he understands it literally, even where tradition understands it otherwise — noting that he is not disputing the law but explaining what is written.
He also completed Rashi's Talmud commentary where his grandfather had not finished: Bava Batra from folio 29a, and the tenth chapter of Pesachim to the end of the tractate. Anyone who reads those passages notices the difference at once: Rashi is short and to the point, Rashbam full and analytical.
In printed editions of the Talmud both texts run on under the single name "Rashi" — and the join shows only in the manner.
On the timeline
Sources
Rishonim
- Rashbam's commentary on the Torah — consistent plain sense, at times against tradition
- Bava Batra 29a–176b; Pesachim 99b–121b — the parts of the Talmud commentary he completed after Rashi
Basis: documents and evidence.