Pitron Torah

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Pitron Torah (Eng. Solution [in the sense of explanation] of the Torah ) is a midrash , that is, an interpretation of the sacred writings of Judaism . He refers to the biblical books Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy .

As one of the few Midrashim, Pitron Torah probably originated in the Babylonian diaspora , probably in the 9th century. In addition to rabbinical sources, it also contains explanations of Karaic origin. It has only survived in a manuscript from 1328, which reached Israel under adventurous circumstances at the end of the 20th century .

Ephraim E. Urbach obtained a transcription edition in 1978 ( Sefer Pitron Torah: A Collection of Midrashim and Interpretations ), which, however, contained numerous errors and soon had to be supplemented by a correction volume . However, this also proved to be in need of revision. A facsimile edition was published in 1995 ( Sefer Pitron Torah: A Collection of Midrashim and Interpretations. Facsimile edition of a Manuscript of The Jewish National and University Library, Jerusalem 5767. ) A German translation is in preparation.

literature

  • Ezra Fleischer: Notes on the Payytanic Heritage of Rav Hai Gaon. The Proems to Midrash Pitron Torah. In: Jerusalem Studies in Hebrew Literature 11, 1987, ISSN  0333-693X , pp. 661-681, [Hebrew].
  • Günter Stemberger : Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash . 8th revised edition. Beck, Munich 1992, ISBN 3-406-36695-3 , ( Beck studies ), p. 348.