Description

Studying responsa fragments from the Cairo Genizah, one travels through a virtual time machine of Jewish history, discovering the rich facets of private and public Jewish medieval life. From the cradle to the coffin, responsa regulate domestic affairs and reflect all manner of human merits, convictions and flaws. Many responsa contain real-life accounts of household intrigue, infidelity, solemn oaths, and sibling rivalry. Seride Teshuvot is a descriptive catalogue of responsa fragments from the Jacques Mosseri Genizah Collection at Cambridge University Library. This book includes descriptions of seventy-five fragments from the classical Genizah Period (10th-13th century) until the late Genizah Period (18th century), on matters of halakha, and biblical and talmudic exegesis. These responsa offer fertile ground for research in all manner of disciplines, from the medieval interpretation of Jewish law to the wider social, cultural and legal history of the Jewish communities of the Mediterranean and Near East.

"The resources invested in this catalogue are impressive, and it is a welcome addition to the few existing catalogues of Genizah manuscripts."
Pinchas Roth, Tikvah Scholar at the NYU Tikvah Center