A Bibliographer of Hebrew Manuscripts working for the National Library of Israel. Published numerous newly discovered works in various fields of Classic and Medieval Rabbinic literature. Produced a complete critical edition of the Alfasi Talmud Digest. Particularly active in Genizah research. Administrator of the Blog Giluy Milta B'Alma
BELOVED DAVID: ADVISOR, MAN OF UNDERSTANDING, AND WRITER, A FESTSCHRIFT IN HONOR OF DAVID STERN Edited by Naftali Cohn and Katrin Kogman-Appel, 2024
A description of the works of a unique and prolific Genizah scribe, a member Maimonides' inner c... more A description of the works of a unique and prolific Genizah scribe, a member Maimonides' inner circle. Includes an appendix collecting his known works.
Patah Eliahu is a most central statement of Zohar literature. R"M Cordevero focused on it as a ... more Patah Eliahu is a most central statement of Zohar literature. R"M Cordevero focused on it as a prime source to align Kabalic theology with accepted Rabbinic Philosophy, as it constructs the delicate relationship between the Sefirot and the Deity. It is recited daily in many communities. Yet the common edition, as found among the introductory articles of Tiqunei Zohar, is clearly a contracted version. We present here a complete version, found in three manuscripts. Yeshurun 2023.
The Rishonim cite a Sheilta of Purim different from the common version, including a Beraitha abou... more The Rishonim cite a Sheilta of Purim different from the common version, including a Beraitha about working on this festive day. A Rabbinic anthology found in the Cairo Genizah, bearing features similar to the Sefer Hamiqtzaot, includes an alternative Sheilta for Purim, which may shed light on the phantom source cited by the Rishonim.
Fragments collected from the Cairo Ganizah, produced by the early- 12th century scribe Menashe b.... more Fragments collected from the Cairo Ganizah, produced by the early- 12th century scribe Menashe b. Yaakov, Published here are remnants of R. Barukh on Bava Metzia and a Gaonic Commentary on Hullin. Originally published in Yeshurun semi-annuakl vol. 34 (2016) pp. 65-76, and since updated.
"Genizat Germania" - Hebrew and Aramaic Binding Fragments from Germany in Context, 2010
The curious custom of recycling medieval Hebrew and non-Hebrew manuscript parchment folios during... more The curious custom of recycling medieval Hebrew and non-Hebrew manuscript parchment folios during the second half of the sixteenth century until the end of the seventeenth, and in some cases up to the eighteenth century, is well known to scholars working in the field of the history of book production or in that of medieval Hebrew manuscripts. The 385 volumes we found in the Biblioteca Estense in Modena are examples of this practice: in most cases they have a standard binding, with ribs in half-skin incised, and the handwritten folios were coloured by a yellowish picture after erasing the Hebrew text. This chapter formulates two questions: (1) How did so many Hebrew manuscripts come into the hands of Christian bookbinders? (2) What does this impressive quantity of fragments contain?. Keywords: eighteenth century; medieval Hebrew manuscripts; printed books
Midrash Yilmidenu was well known and cited often by medieval sources, but lost in the shadow if i... more Midrash Yilmidenu was well known and cited often by medieval sources, but lost in the shadow if its close relative- Midrash Tanhuma. The lost Midrash was partially reconstructed, from citatons gleaned from Jacob Sicily's (14nth cent.) Yalqut Talmud Torah. and from a 16nth cent. copy in the Bodleian. We find here a folio from the missing portion Qorah.
In 657, when Ali ibn Abu Talib-the fourth Caliph to rule after the death of Mohammedextended the ... more In 657, when Ali ibn Abu Talib-the fourth Caliph to rule after the death of Mohammedextended the Muslim conquest into Iraq, he was greeted wholeheartedly by the Jews there, then the most important of the world's Jewish communities. Ali saw the Jews of Iraq as a natural ally and granted them autonomy. This was the dawn of a new era of Jewish cultural creativity, one that lasted almost 600 years and was central in the development of Judaism.
A Genizah rotulus containing a Midrash. Much of the material is collected from known sources, pri... more A Genizah rotulus containing a Midrash. Much of the material is collected from known sources, primarily Midrash Tehilim. Yet this source predates the other manuscript text witnesses offering important variants from when Midrash Tehillim was still in a formative state. There is also much material that is not found in known Midrashim. The editor weaves a flexible copy of the Midrashim, around a common theme.
Rambam's autograph draft copy of the Perush HaMishnah, found in the Cairo Genizah differs greatl... more Rambam's autograph draft copy of the Perush HaMishnah, found in the Cairo Genizah differs greatly from his final version, the one intended for publication. In this article, we copy and translate the draft, and compare it systematically with the published version, to examine if there are consistent factors in the developmental process of the composition. Originally published in Sefer Zikharon L'Shiloh Rephael . 1998
A summary of Rabbinic figures and literature in the Post-Talmudic era, under Caliphate rule. Comp... more A summary of Rabbinic figures and literature in the Post-Talmudic era, under Caliphate rule. Composed for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1999.
An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (M... more An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (Mishneh Torah vol. I) but only in the philosophic chapters (I-IV). We have found in the Cairo Genizah a copy of this gloss, that continues into the Halakhic chapters (V-VI)
An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (M... more An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (Mishneh Torah vol. I) but only in the philosophic chapters (I-IV). We have found in the Cairo Genizah a copy of this gloss, that continues into the Halakhic chapters (V-VI)
A Rotulus from the Cairo Genizah from which R. Nahshon Gaon's decisions were published, includes ... more A Rotulus from the Cairo Genizah from which R. Nahshon Gaon's decisions were published, includes on the flip side what appears to be a random assortment of Talmudic citations. When transcribed and analyzed, we find here 21 explanations of difficult terms from Talmud Gittin and Yevamot, an example of what was known to the Rishonim as Pinkas Starim- the birth of extra-talmudic exegesis. The rotulus also includes a version of Seder Tanaim v'Amoraim that predates by centuries all known versions. Published in Yeshurun LXI (autumn 2019).
New Genizah findings of Samuel ben Hofni HaKohen Gaon's monographic work on Partnerships. The Gao... more New Genizah findings of Samuel ben Hofni HaKohen Gaon's monographic work on Partnerships. The Gaon applies Talmudic law to the more complex corporations that developed after the Talmud. Yeshurun XL (2019) pp. 28-64.
Rashi's mentor composed this Piyyut for Shabbat of a Wedding. Published here with a commentary fo... more Rashi's mentor composed this Piyyut for Shabbat of a Wedding. Published here with a commentary found in two manuscripts. The citation of Midrashim in the Commentary, and the allusions to them by the poet, consistently reflect not the original source, but rather the version retold in Rashi on Bible and Talmud. Some material has been added that appear to have emanated from El'azar of Worms, the 'Rokeach'. We see here how images, ideas and texts that appear in Rashi, and perhaps even Rokeach's mystical studies, may have been circulating in pre-crusade Worms. Published in Moriyah XXXVI (Shvat 2019) pp. 4-29.
We have yet to find a Tannaic Midrash on Genesis, as we have for the rest of the Pentateuch. It'... more We have yet to find a Tannaic Midrash on Genesis, as we have for the rest of the Pentateuch. It's not likely that one will turn up. Yet we present here a fragment of one such Midrash, with all the characteristics of the Tannaic Midrash, including names of Tannaim, and a lack of acceptance of commonly known Talmudic idiom. Published in Moriah XXXV (2017) vol. 4 pp. 1-6.
BELOVED DAVID: ADVISOR, MAN OF UNDERSTANDING, AND WRITER, A FESTSCHRIFT IN HONOR OF DAVID STERN Edited by Naftali Cohn and Katrin Kogman-Appel, 2024
A description of the works of a unique and prolific Genizah scribe, a member Maimonides' inner c... more A description of the works of a unique and prolific Genizah scribe, a member Maimonides' inner circle. Includes an appendix collecting his known works.
Patah Eliahu is a most central statement of Zohar literature. R"M Cordevero focused on it as a ... more Patah Eliahu is a most central statement of Zohar literature. R"M Cordevero focused on it as a prime source to align Kabalic theology with accepted Rabbinic Philosophy, as it constructs the delicate relationship between the Sefirot and the Deity. It is recited daily in many communities. Yet the common edition, as found among the introductory articles of Tiqunei Zohar, is clearly a contracted version. We present here a complete version, found in three manuscripts. Yeshurun 2023.
The Rishonim cite a Sheilta of Purim different from the common version, including a Beraitha abou... more The Rishonim cite a Sheilta of Purim different from the common version, including a Beraitha about working on this festive day. A Rabbinic anthology found in the Cairo Genizah, bearing features similar to the Sefer Hamiqtzaot, includes an alternative Sheilta for Purim, which may shed light on the phantom source cited by the Rishonim.
Fragments collected from the Cairo Ganizah, produced by the early- 12th century scribe Menashe b.... more Fragments collected from the Cairo Ganizah, produced by the early- 12th century scribe Menashe b. Yaakov, Published here are remnants of R. Barukh on Bava Metzia and a Gaonic Commentary on Hullin. Originally published in Yeshurun semi-annuakl vol. 34 (2016) pp. 65-76, and since updated.
"Genizat Germania" - Hebrew and Aramaic Binding Fragments from Germany in Context, 2010
The curious custom of recycling medieval Hebrew and non-Hebrew manuscript parchment folios during... more The curious custom of recycling medieval Hebrew and non-Hebrew manuscript parchment folios during the second half of the sixteenth century until the end of the seventeenth, and in some cases up to the eighteenth century, is well known to scholars working in the field of the history of book production or in that of medieval Hebrew manuscripts. The 385 volumes we found in the Biblioteca Estense in Modena are examples of this practice: in most cases they have a standard binding, with ribs in half-skin incised, and the handwritten folios were coloured by a yellowish picture after erasing the Hebrew text. This chapter formulates two questions: (1) How did so many Hebrew manuscripts come into the hands of Christian bookbinders? (2) What does this impressive quantity of fragments contain?. Keywords: eighteenth century; medieval Hebrew manuscripts; printed books
Midrash Yilmidenu was well known and cited often by medieval sources, but lost in the shadow if i... more Midrash Yilmidenu was well known and cited often by medieval sources, but lost in the shadow if its close relative- Midrash Tanhuma. The lost Midrash was partially reconstructed, from citatons gleaned from Jacob Sicily's (14nth cent.) Yalqut Talmud Torah. and from a 16nth cent. copy in the Bodleian. We find here a folio from the missing portion Qorah.
In 657, when Ali ibn Abu Talib-the fourth Caliph to rule after the death of Mohammedextended the ... more In 657, when Ali ibn Abu Talib-the fourth Caliph to rule after the death of Mohammedextended the Muslim conquest into Iraq, he was greeted wholeheartedly by the Jews there, then the most important of the world's Jewish communities. Ali saw the Jews of Iraq as a natural ally and granted them autonomy. This was the dawn of a new era of Jewish cultural creativity, one that lasted almost 600 years and was central in the development of Judaism.
A Genizah rotulus containing a Midrash. Much of the material is collected from known sources, pri... more A Genizah rotulus containing a Midrash. Much of the material is collected from known sources, primarily Midrash Tehilim. Yet this source predates the other manuscript text witnesses offering important variants from when Midrash Tehillim was still in a formative state. There is also much material that is not found in known Midrashim. The editor weaves a flexible copy of the Midrashim, around a common theme.
Rambam's autograph draft copy of the Perush HaMishnah, found in the Cairo Genizah differs greatl... more Rambam's autograph draft copy of the Perush HaMishnah, found in the Cairo Genizah differs greatly from his final version, the one intended for publication. In this article, we copy and translate the draft, and compare it systematically with the published version, to examine if there are consistent factors in the developmental process of the composition. Originally published in Sefer Zikharon L'Shiloh Rephael . 1998
A summary of Rabbinic figures and literature in the Post-Talmudic era, under Caliphate rule. Comp... more A summary of Rabbinic figures and literature in the Post-Talmudic era, under Caliphate rule. Composed for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1999.
An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (M... more An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (Mishneh Torah vol. I) but only in the philosophic chapters (I-IV). We have found in the Cairo Genizah a copy of this gloss, that continues into the Halakhic chapters (V-VI)
An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (M... more An anonymous commentary is found in the printed editions of Maimonides Hilkhot Yesoday HaTorah (Mishneh Torah vol. I) but only in the philosophic chapters (I-IV). We have found in the Cairo Genizah a copy of this gloss, that continues into the Halakhic chapters (V-VI)
A Rotulus from the Cairo Genizah from which R. Nahshon Gaon's decisions were published, includes ... more A Rotulus from the Cairo Genizah from which R. Nahshon Gaon's decisions were published, includes on the flip side what appears to be a random assortment of Talmudic citations. When transcribed and analyzed, we find here 21 explanations of difficult terms from Talmud Gittin and Yevamot, an example of what was known to the Rishonim as Pinkas Starim- the birth of extra-talmudic exegesis. The rotulus also includes a version of Seder Tanaim v'Amoraim that predates by centuries all known versions. Published in Yeshurun LXI (autumn 2019).
New Genizah findings of Samuel ben Hofni HaKohen Gaon's monographic work on Partnerships. The Gao... more New Genizah findings of Samuel ben Hofni HaKohen Gaon's monographic work on Partnerships. The Gaon applies Talmudic law to the more complex corporations that developed after the Talmud. Yeshurun XL (2019) pp. 28-64.
Rashi's mentor composed this Piyyut for Shabbat of a Wedding. Published here with a commentary fo... more Rashi's mentor composed this Piyyut for Shabbat of a Wedding. Published here with a commentary found in two manuscripts. The citation of Midrashim in the Commentary, and the allusions to them by the poet, consistently reflect not the original source, but rather the version retold in Rashi on Bible and Talmud. Some material has been added that appear to have emanated from El'azar of Worms, the 'Rokeach'. We see here how images, ideas and texts that appear in Rashi, and perhaps even Rokeach's mystical studies, may have been circulating in pre-crusade Worms. Published in Moriyah XXXVI (Shvat 2019) pp. 4-29.
We have yet to find a Tannaic Midrash on Genesis, as we have for the rest of the Pentateuch. It'... more We have yet to find a Tannaic Midrash on Genesis, as we have for the rest of the Pentateuch. It's not likely that one will turn up. Yet we present here a fragment of one such Midrash, with all the characteristics of the Tannaic Midrash, including names of Tannaim, and a lack of acceptance of commonly known Talmudic idiom. Published in Moriah XXXV (2017) vol. 4 pp. 1-6.
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In this article, we copy and translate the draft, and compare it systematically with the published version, to examine if there are consistent factors in the developmental process of the composition.
Originally published in Sefer Zikharon L'Shiloh Rephael . 1998
Yeshurun XL (2019) pp. 28-64.
Published in Moriah XXXV (2017) vol. 4 pp. 1-6.
In this article, we copy and translate the draft, and compare it systematically with the published version, to examine if there are consistent factors in the developmental process of the composition.
Originally published in Sefer Zikharon L'Shiloh Rephael . 1998
Yeshurun XL (2019) pp. 28-64.
Published in Moriah XXXV (2017) vol. 4 pp. 1-6.