We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The Rif's Hand in Creating Various Editions of the Halakhot: Goals and Processes.
- Authors
Yahalom, Shalem
- Abstract
Rabbi Isaac Alfasi (Rif) was immersed in learning and writing until the very end of his life. His ceaseless review constantly led him to reach new conclusions regarding central Talmudic discussions. As was common in the Middle Ages, the Rif conceived of his Halakhoi as an open book, an unfinished product subject to change. Therefore, when he sent responsa to his disciples, he asked them to update the earlier versions in their possession in light of his most recent rulings. Of course, the Rif revised his own copy of the Halakhot, which he kept in his home, in keeping with his later conclusions. Nahmanides states that he had access to the Rif's own edited copy, which contained both the Rif's original opinions, before he crossed them out, and his final opinions. By collecting and examining the reversals documented by Nahmanides (and others), we gain insight into the goals and processes underlying the Rif's changing positions. We find that the Rif's link with the heritage of R. Hananel, his Master and Rabbi, weakened over the years, as he developed his own independent position. The Rif also altered his work in accordance with the custom prevailing in Andalusia, where he settled towards the end of his life. In the final edition of the Halakhot, he cites the Talmud extensively as opposed to the freer use of his own language earlier. Studying the changes offers a unique perspective on the Rif's methods and manner of formulating the Halakhot.
- Subjects
JUDAISM; RABBIS; LEARNING; JEWISH learning &; scholarship; TALMUD; LITURGICAL objects in Judaism; RESPONSA; NAHMANIDES, ca. 1194-1270; RELIGION
- Publication
Tarbiz, 2008, Vol 77, Issue 2, p239
- ISSN
0334-3650
- Publication type
Article