Lot : 244

The Forged Talmud Yerushalmi Kodshim. Seini, 1907. A Handsome, Complete Set Talmud

Start price: $800

Est. Price: $1,000 - $1,500

The Forged Talmud Yerushalmi Kodshim. Seini, 1907.

A Handsome, Complete Set

Talmud Yerushalmi on Tractates Chulin and Bechoros, “Originally printed based on an ancient handwritten manuscript, ” with the Cheshek Shlomo commentary by the publisher Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Friedlander.

On verso of the first title page is a facsimile of the “manuscript.”

The 19th century “discovery” of the Talmud Yerushalmi on Kodshim was at the time one of the most groundbreaking revelations in the history of Jewish literature. There are some references to the existence of Talmud Yerushalmi on Kodshim in the writings of the Rishonim, yet there was never any knowledge of an existing text or handwritten manuscript of such a Yerushalmi until Friedlander appeared with this forgery and announced his “discovery.” His ploy worked to an extent, and he even convinced several of the Torah luminaries of his generation of its authenticity. However, it wasn’t long before the forgery was revealed. This fabrication of Friedlander’s brilliant, scholarly mind was a deep disappointment to Torah sages of the era who published sharp furious condemnations against Friedlander, who fired back responses against those who had denounced him. Some rabbi’s protected him but after demanding to see the manuscript which he failed to deliver even they came to the conclusion that its a forgery and that there was no manuscript.

Seini, 1907. Chulin-Bechoros: [10], 78; [1], 47 leaves. Zevachim-Erchin: [7], 100 leaves. Page size: 36cm. Vol. 1 has 2 title pages and an additional title page for Bechoros. Attractive copy. Rigal paper. Rare to find both volumes in such good condition.

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