Bidspirit auction | Manuscript of the Midrashim on

Manuscript of the Midrashim on the Passing of Moshe and Aharon – Bukhara–Jerusalem, c. 1920 - The manuscript contains the principal Midrashic texts traditionally studied by the Bukharan Jewish community on the night of Hoshana Rabbah, translated and explained in Judeo-Bukharan: The Midrash of the Passing of Moshe Rabbeinu and the Torah portion Vezos HaBerachah, accompanied by a Persian-Judeo-Bukharan translation and commentary copied from the life's work of the spiritual leader of Bukharan Jewry, Rabbi Shimon Chacham (d. 1910). The Midrash of the Passing of Aharon HaKohen, a continuation of the Midrash of Moshe, described as ”also fitting to be recited during the pre-dawn hours of Hoshana Rabbah.” It is likewise accompanied by a Judeo-Bukharan translation based on the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Chacham, compiled from the words of Chazal by the distinguished Jerusalem scholar Rabbi Eliezer Lipman, author of Dammesek Eliezer, who prepared it ”to benefit the many.” The manuscript was prepared for the distinguished Rabbi Chaim Matatov, one of the prominent leaders of the Bukharan Jewish community in Jerusalem. Copied by his son, who signs at the conclusion: ”I, Gabriel Chaimov.” The opening and concluding leaves of the notebook contain contemporary notes and financial records written by various members of the Bukharan Jewish community in Jerusalem during the years 1914–1915, on the eve of the First World War. Approximately 100 written pages, followed by several blank leaves. 21 cm. Attractive Eastern Judeo-Bukharan script in ink on paper. Condition: Very good. Original binding, well preserved.