For the research of Hebrew manuscripts
and their publication
c/o Mount Zion Books
P.O.B. 61038
Jerusalem, Israel
E-mail:
![[We're cleaning house!]](gifs/sweeping.gif)
Pardon us for the dust! We're cleaning house. Wherever you see this sign on our website the
prices and availability of many items on the page have changed. Please e-mail us for updated information.
Thank you.
Ofeq Institute was established to discover unknown, unidentified or unpublished Hebrew manuscripts in public and private collections throughout the world, to locate them, edit them according to the highest Torah and scientific standards, and publish useful, high-quality editions. Recently, new sources have opened and many collections that had been previously sealed have become available. The sophisticated resources at our disposal enable us to attain major achievements in this field, and to offer students of rabbinics and Torah scholars books of the highest importance.
Ofeq Institute devotes itself to the post-Talmudic writings, i.e., the writings of the Geonim, the Rishonim and the early Aharonim (from the 11th century until the end of the 16th century). These works of Torah and scholarship - some previously unknown, others, works published in inaccurate or incomplete editions - are deciphered anew from original manuscripts, and annotated by an expert staff of talmidei hakhamim and scholars who also add source references, indexes and introductions. Attention is given to the aesthetic side as well; all of Ofeq's publications are designed to be pleasant to the eye.
Heading Ofeq Institute is its founder, Rabbi Avraham Shoshana, who also serves as the chief editor of its publications. Rabbi Shoshana is the editor of numerous classics by Rishonim, books which have become essential items on the bookshelf of the Torah scholar. An advisory board of distinguished gedolei Torah and esteemed scholars in Israel and abroad oversees the activities of the Institute. Among the members of Ofeq Institute are gifted talmidei hakhamim, themselves authors of books, young and experienced scholars, and experts in manuscript research.
In a relatively short period of time the Institute has published a series of reputable works, all of them distinguished by excellent, uncompromising editing - accurate copying of the manuscripts, clear concise footnotes, important well-written introductions - and aesthetically pleasant layouts. The publications of Ofeq Institute have been greeted with favorable reviews and praise both in Israel and abroad. Some of the books enjoy repeated editions. Special mention should be made of Ofeq's prestigious project, Sifra, or Torat Kohanim, and its Rishonim commentators, especially that by RABaD (Rabbi Abraham b. David of Posquieres), which was awarded a grant by the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities.
Over the past several years the treasures of Judaica locked up in the former Soviet Union are being made available to the public. Rabbi Shoshana was one of the first to be received by the Russian State Library (formerly, the Lenin State Library) in Moscow, and its directors agreed to grant Ofeq Institute exclusive rights of publication to choice material from the Baron Guenzburg Collection. The preparation for publication of some of the long lost classics of Jewish learning from dozens of these manuscripts will enrich our spiritual culture with jewels of Torah and learning, long awaited for decades. Ofeq Institute is devoting all its means and energies towards the fulfillment of this great task.
This previously unknown work was published from an Oxford manuscript with source references, explanations and an introduction.
Ha-RA, the author of this work, was a Rishon, and his book was written as an independent composition, although it is in fact a commentary on R. Moses b. Nahman's novellae on Niddah, which the author clarifies, adding comments of his own.
Several printings. Latest edition: Summer, 1994.
17, 351 pp. 17x24 cm.
Published by Machon Yerushalayim
A previously unpublished work by R. David Bonfed, a pupil of R. Moses b. Nahman and a disseminator of his master's teachings. Published for the first time from a manuscript in the Casanatense Library in Rome, with source references, explanations and an introduction. This work, which has enjoyed many editions, has become one of the basic commentaries used worldwide in the study of the tractate Pesahim.
Printed several times.
35, 420pp. 17x24 cm.
Published by Machon Yerushalayim
By Rabbi Avraham Shoshana
A singular commentary blending traditional exegesis with new findings and clarifications that have come to light in recent times. The work is arranged in a special manner: general introductions are provided to each chapter, followed by notes and commentaries summarizing and explaining the opinions of the early commentators, and critically incorporating the views of later authorities that help clarify and understand the Biblical text.
"It would not be an exaggeration to state that with the publication of Rabbi Shoshana's commentary on Judges in this attractive and well-designed book, all of us, students of the Bible and teachers, have acquired a rich, finely written commentary, which treats all the linguistic, ethical and objective problems that the student encounters, and summarizes the opinions of classical commentators as well as those of later scholars."
Prof. Moshe Ahrend Hatzofeh, Friday 26 Adar II, 5249 (1989)
Jerusalem-Cleveland 1988. 308 pp. 17x24cm.
This complete work is published for the first time from manuscripts and printed versions.
An encyclopedic compilation of Rishonim scholarship on Gittin (until RaSHBA), incorporating a sizable portion of the long lost commentary of R. Meir ha-Levi Abulafia (RaMaH) on tractate Gittin. The RaMaH material is identified and supplemented by a special section culled from other sources in manuscript and in print. The entire work is accompanied by a duplicate set of explanatory notes, updating the commentaries and halakhic decisions to later authorities, and indexes.
With a special introduction on the life and Works of RaMaH.
Two editions have been published. Second edition: Jerusalem - Cleveland, 1989.
Vol. 1, Ch.1-4
74, 347pp.22x28cm.
Vol. II, Ch. 5-8. With an
introduction in which a previously unpublished part of RaMaH's original
commentary on Gittin, found in the Genizah, is included.
11, 432 pp. 22x28cm.
By Binyamin Richler
Chapter on the Cairo Genizah by Robert Brody.
Preface by Marvin Fox.
A basic introduction to Hebrew manuscripts outlining the nature of manuscripts and their production and providing explanations of the terminology used in palaeography. Includes a survey of the major collections of Hebrew manuscripts today with information on the number of manuscripts extant and how to locate them. This elegant album is profusely illustrated with reproductions of pages from Hebrew manuscripts, many in full colour, and examples of various types of Hebrew scripts from which the reader can learn to decipher ancient writings. Includes sections on autographs, colophons, illuminated manuscripts, palaeography and scribal activities, etc.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1990. l66 pp.22x30cm.
A previously unknown work published for the first time from a manuscript in Oxford with three appendices from Genizah manuscripts in the Cambridge University Library.
With source references, explanations and an introduction.
The author, an associate of R. Abraham, the son of RaMBaM, in Egypt, and apparently a relative of his, preserved in this work the exegetic and halakhic traditions of RaMBaM pertaining to tractate Shabbat.
Jerusalem-Cleveland. First edition, 1988. Second revised edition, 1990.
27,339 pp. 17x24cm.
$13.50 A comprehensive treatise on Jewish history, the history of Talmudic literature, rabbinic literature, and the Rabbis, first printed by R. Hayyim Palache in 1821 as an introduction to Meiri's commentary to tractate Avot. This new edition, based on a St. Petersburg (Leningrad) manuscript, is accompanied by an introduction treating Meiri's historiography, variant readings, notes and explanations, together with the notes of R. Hayyim Palache.
Includes R. Isaac Lattes' historical work, Sha'arei Ziyyon, which borrowed profusely from Meiri's work and added details. Sha 'arei Ziyyon is based on a new Oxford manuscript
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1992, 400 pp. 17x24 cm.
The second edition, to appear shortly, will include Sha 'arei Ziyyon based on a new manuscript from the Guenzburg Collection.
An important collection of Tosafot that stands by itself and not, as may be inferred from the abridged and inaccurate edition published in the Vilna Talmud, merely notations to the printed Tosafot. This collection is published here for the first time in its entirety from two manuscripts (London and Cincinnati) with notes and learned explanations.
Edited from manuscripts, with source references, explanations, indexes and an introduction.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1992 (Friedberg Library).
Second revised edition, 1994.
26,300 pp. 17x24cm.
A rabbinic-scientific edition of the tannaitic, halakhic Midrash, Torat Kohanim or Sifra. The text is based on the ancient, renowned Rome manuscript (Assernani 66). It is accompanied by an apparatus of references to rabbinic literature, variant readings, and textual and philological notes.
The important commentaries on Torat Kohanim, published for the first time in this project, are edited with critical notes and a comprehensive commentary by Rabbi Avraham Shoshana, a commentary that guides the reader through the obscure subject matter of this difficult Midrash and its commentators. The volumes are equipped with detailed apparatuses and indexes.
Edited from the Rome manuscript with references to rabbinic literature, variant readings, and textual and philological notes.
With commentaries by RABaD (R. Abraham b David of Posquieres), edited from newly available manuscripts, and other unpublished commentaries by: RaMaH (R. Meir ha-Levi Abulafia); a commentary culled from the manuscript of Yihusei Tannaim wa-Amoraim ; RABaN (R. Eliezer b. Nathan); and ROSH (IL Asher b. Yehiel).
With an introduction, references, explanations, and indexes.
The comprehensive introduction deals with two major issues: a) the textual traditions of Sifrain manuscripts and printed editions; b) the defective text of the printed editions of RABaD's commentary versus the merits of the London manuscript used in this edition.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1991.
32, 175 pp. 21x32 cm.
In print. To appear shortly in two parts.
Edited from the Rome manuscript with references to rabbinic literature, variant readings, and textual and philological notes. With the commentaries: RABaD, based on new manuscripts; attributed to Rash of Sens, from an Oxford manuscript; R. Shemu'el (medieval Germany); Heber ha-Kohanimby IL Hayyim Hebraya (16th cen. Cairo, Egypt); Derekh ha- Kodeshby R. Vidal ha-Sarfaty (c. 1550-1620, Fez, Morocco); and glosses of R. Binyamin ha-Kohen Vitale of Reggio (1651-1730) and R. Zvi Hirsch Wolk.
A facsimile of Sifra, Venice edition, 1545, is published in a special appendix with glosses of R. Suliman b. Ohana (16th cen. Fez, Sefad).
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1993, 486pp.21 x32 cm.
First published in 1821 by R. Hayyim Palache and subsequently reprinted several times, this commentary is now edited for the first time from a St. Petersburg manuscript with an introduction, variant readings, explanations and notes, together with the notes of R. Hayyim Palache. A detailed introduction discusses the exegetic methods of Meiri and his views on matters of faith as expressed in the commentary. References are made to Meiri's other works, especially his commentaries to Proverbs and Psalms.
In an appendix all the relevant passages in Meiri's Hibbur ha-Teshuvah touching on Avot are reproduced, based on two manuscripts (Vatican and Montefiore).
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1994. 67,490, l7pp. 17x24 cm.
The Haggadah and a commentary, halakhot and customs of Pesach, prayers and piyyutim by R. Joseph b. Zaddik, a pre-Expulsion Spanish rabbi.
Zekher Zaddik is a siddur for the entire year. The section on Pesach is printed in this volume from manuscripts with extensive introductions on the author and his literary activities, the piyyutim and the singular vocalization (nikkud) utilized in the siddur. Accompanied by references and explanations.
In addition to the siddur, the author composed fifty chapters on halakhic matters, incorporating material culled from a wide range of Rishonim and kabbalah sources.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1994. l88pp. 2pl.17x2-5cm.
Published for the first time from manuscripts and early prints, with an introduction, variant readings, source references, explanations. and indexes.
R. Natronai was one of the greatest of the Geonim and it is no coincidence that the later Geonim studied his teachings, not to mention the Rishonim who quote his responsa extensively and base their decisions upon them. The number of extant responsa by R. Natronai is greater than the number of responsa by any other Gaon except that by R. Hai.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1994 (Friedberg Library) 2 vols. 746 pp. 17x24 cm.
by R. Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto (RaMHaL)
Mesillat Yesharim A: Dialogue Version
Mesillat Yesharim B: Thematic Version
Mesillat Yesharim, the basic ethical work, is presented here in twin versions, both written by RaMHaL:
a) Mesillat Yesharim A, the newly found dialogue version published here for the first time from an autograph manuscript found in Moscow, written in RaMHaL's own writing.
b) Mesillat Yesharim B, the known thematic version, published here according to the first edition and corrected from parallel passages in the newly found manuscript.
Mesillat Yesharim A, an independent work in its own right, helps shed new light on the known printed edition of Mesillat Yesharim. The work is accompanied by comprehensive introductions dealing with this significance.
Jerusalem-Cleveland, 1994. [6],385,vi pp. 15x22cm.
To be published shortly
Published for the first time from manuscripts and printed books with an introduction and indexes, source references, notes and explanations.
a) Novellae on Kiddushin by an unidentified Rishon of great stature, a colleague of R. Solomon ibn Adret (RaSHBA). Many sections of this work are reproduced verbatim by R. Nissim Gerondi in his novellae on Kiddushin.
Also used by R. Bezalel Ashkenazi and other Sefardi scholars.
b) Commentary by R. Baruch of Greece edited from fragments in the Cairo Genizah.
c) Piske MaHaRIH, by R. Hezekiah of Magdeburg. Edited for the first time from a manuscript recently discovered in Prague.
These Tosafot are published for the first time from a manuscript of Tosafot ha-ROSH on several tractates, recently discovered in the Guenzburg Collection in Moscow. The Tosafot on most of the tractates were already published, but those on tractates Haggigah and Pesahim are found only in this unique codex.
The "Hatam Sofer" had a manuscript of Tosafot ha-ROSH to Pesahim and he quoted from it in his writings. The text of the Guenzburg manuscript agrees with those quotations.
A collection of about 200 passages published for the first time from a manuscript recently discovered in Moscow. Most of the writings are from the Babylonian Geonim and some are culled from the Provencal Rishonim.
Most of the responsa are entirely new or in versions that are fuller and more accurate than previously available texts. Several Rishonim used this collection and quoted from it in their writings.
A major work by R. Hananel b. Samuel, an in- law of Maimonides (RaMBaM) and the leading rabbi in Egypt of his generation. Previously unpublished, this commentary is edited from a manuscript in the British Library, with an introduction, indexes, source references, and explanations.
The tractate Edduyoth with 'Qemara' and commentary by R. Solomon Sirililo
Never published previously. R. Solomon SirlIho, of the Expulsion era, known for his Yerushalmi commentary, compiled a 'Gemara' to tractate Eduyyoth. Collecting all the talmudic writings relevant to Eduyyoth, he compiled and edited them in the style of the Gemara and added his own broad commentary. This work won the praise of R. Hayyim J.D. Azulai (HIDA), and Rabbi Leiner who compiled similar "Gemarot" to tractates Kelim and Ahilot.
Edited for the first time from a manuscript in the Guenzburg Collection in Moscow, with introductions, indexes, source references, variant readings and explanations.
The unpublished, 'missing' section of the famous Shitta Mekubetzet by R. Bezahel Ashkenazi, published for the first time from a manuscrlpt in Prague.