Today, we explore enigmatic Megilahs, where the absence of the text eclipses the written word. We’ll learn that this peculiar phenomenon is just a fragment of a larger tendency reflected in the Geniza to produce incomplete texts. We shall unravel the motivations behind this practice, reminding us of the formidable challenges in reproducing sacred texts by scribal hand.

Links:

First Megilah image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-AS-00044-00005/1

Second Megilah image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-NS-00286-00043/1

Third Megilah image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-NS-00286-00043/1

First Chumash image

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-A-00043-00004/2

Second Chumash image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-A-00043-00013/2

First Tehilim image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-NS-00281-00131/2

Second Tehilim image:

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-AS-00039-00186/2

Final Megilah Image

https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-AS-00041-00207/1

Scrolls, Scribes, and Shortcuts: An Incomplete Megilah in the Cairo Geniza

Tunisian Jews used to refer to Tanach with a very odd name, and few understood why. Fortunately, illuminated medieval Jewish manuscripts can help solve this mystery. They bring us back to the 14th century, where we find Rabbi Yitzchak ben Moshe Halevi fervently contending that there has been a neglect of studying Tanach and that this is akin to abandoning the sacred Beis Hamikdash.

Lost Scrolls, Lost Souls: A Spanish Jew’s Plea to Rediscover Tanach | Favorite Episodes

When we examine medieval manuscripts that feature Aleinu, we uncover intriguing instances of censorship within this ancient prayer. What motivated these textual alterations, and can they be linked to a specific historical event? Delving into this subject unveils a significant episode from the year 1390, shedding light on the numerous amendments and erasures made to the text. These changes continue to influence various minhagim to the present day.

Relevant links:

Michael Machzor

https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/b3f2d1d5-ff07-4a6e-87ea-281c41957925/surfaces/2df6a671-c677-4e7d-a5df-e722f28f4c60/#

Esslingen Machzor

https://digitalcollections.jtsa.edu/islandora/object/jts%3A2173#page/43/mode/1up

Tripartite Machzor

https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/9e481d9a-06e6-41e8-ae36-a58d445a1ffa/surfaces/f6ca5ba3-7c09-4b1f-a288-3d3c052e65e9/#

Machzor from the Rhineland

https://bibliophilly.library.upenn.edu/viewer.php?id=CAJS%20Rar%20Ms%20382#page/489/mode/1up

Worms Machzor

https://www.nli.org.il/he/manuscripts/NNL_ALEPH000044560/NLI?volumeItem=2#$FL21059450

The Scandalous History of Aleinu - New Episode

Favorite Episodes

Are our dreams significant? Do they have predictive value? Should we pay heed to their warnings? The Talmud seems to offer contradictory teachings on this subject, and this will lead us toward two classic approaches to this matter.

Click here to view the class PowerPoint slides.

Favorite Episodes | Initially released in July 2023.

We are all acquainted with the renowned depiction of the menorah created by the Rambam. In this class, we dig into the story of this image. Where did it come from? Can we trust its accuracy? When was it discovered? Did later artists and copyists treat it as just a doodle or something more meaningful?

Rambam’s Menorah: Insights from Ancient Hebrew Manuscripts

Favorite Episodes | Initially released in December 2022.

Between Ashkenaz and Sefard: Medieval Women, Biblical Dena, and the Public Square

In this episode, we explore the intriguing narrative of a Jew named Shlomo, also known as Fillipo, who found himself ensnared by the Inquisition in Venice during the 1580s. Raised as a Christian in Portugal during a period when Jews were prohibited from residing there, Shlomo’s journey took a profound turn when he embraced Judaism in Venice, a choice that carried substantial risks. His captivating story can be learned through the archives of the Venetian Inquisition but also through two rabbinic responsa.

In the Dungeons of the Inquisition

We examine the tale of the heartless chicken that ignited lively discussion among rabbinic authorities in the year 1709. We introduce the pivotal figures in this intriguing narrative, examine the framing of the question, analyze the diverse range of answers proposed, and learn about the captivating research endeavors undertaken by these rabbis in their quest for a definitive solution. This engaging study about the interplay between science and tradition offers unique insights into the intellectual landscape of the time.

The Heartless Chicken