Sepher Kerithoth [Talmudic methodology]

SAMSON BEN ISAAC OF CHINON

Constantinople

1515

FIRST EDITION. Scattered Hebrew marginalia in an old hand

Vinograd, Const. 79; Yaari, Const. 47; Adams, S-228; Deinard, Atikoth Yehudah, p. 23

Although last of the French Tosafists, Samson of Chinon was the first to write on Talmudic methodology. Sepher Kerithoth is a comprehensive work divided into five parts. The opening four parts deal with the hermeneutic rules which are the basis of Tannaic Halachic derivation, the chronology of the Tanaim and Amoraim, and the principles upon which Halachah is decided when difference of opinion exists. The fifth part is particulalrly important, devoted to the deduction of new rules applied by the Talmudists in their interpretation of the Bible, and to an extensive elucidation upon the methods and terminology of both parts of the Talmud. ”This portal throws light upon many a knotty passage in the Talmud by clarifying the peculiar expressions and likewise helps to understand the complicated Talmudic discussions by supplying the key to their methods.” (M. Waxman, A History of Jewish Literature, Vol. II, p.191)