Targum HaKadosh Yonathan Ben Uziel al Chamisha Chumshei Torah VeTargum Sheni al Megilath Achashveroth [translation of the Bible into Aramaic]

AUCTION 64 | Thursday, March 19th, 2015 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Ceremonial Objects, Maps and Graphic Art

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Lot 149
JONATHAN BEN UZIEL.

Targum HaKadosh Yonathan Ben Uziel al Chamisha Chumshei Torah VeTargum Sheni al Megilath Achashveroth [translation of the Bible into Aramaic]

<<First separate edition.>> ff. 74. Worn and stained, extensive paper repairs to final several leaves with loss of text. Later boards. Folio. Vinograd, Basle 230.

Basle: Conrad Waldkirch 1607

Est: $600 - $900
PRICE REALIZED $400
Although attributed to Jonathan Ben Uziel, this Targum is called by scholars the “Pseudo-Jonathan” as it cites material from a later period, as noted by R. Tzvi Hirsch Chajes in his Igereth Bikoreth on the Targum. Of particular interest is the citation (Genesis ch. 21, v. 21) of the names of the wives of Ishmael as Adisha (Khadija) and Fatima, who respectively were of course, the wife and daughter of Mohammed (see f. 7b, 10 lines from bottom of first column). Thus many scholars date the original text as not earlier than the 7th-century. The second work, Targum Sheni, is a collection of homilies with extensive midrashic paraphrases and interesting Agadoth. It integrates lengthy speeches and prayers and contains many words in Greek. Scholars differ as to when it was composed, with views ranging from the 4th- to the 11th centuries.