(Rabbinic scholar, 1818-1895).

REIFMANN, JACOB.

Zamoscz

1851

Autograph Manuscript Signed. “Arba Kenafayim.” Written in a neat cursive Aschkenazi hand. Presented to the author’s friend, Yechiel Mendelsohn.

Four lengthy poems concerning the loss of truth and righteousness. Seemingly unpublished. In the presentation inscription on the first leaf, Reifmann also mentions Israel Elazar Mintz and Yehudah Leibush Greenfield: “When I receive your reply I will pour out my soul…and tell all my dreams.” The eleven page introduction contains interesting historical material on language, poetry and fables, including a sample fable composed by the author. Reifmann who lived in humble circumstances in Galicia, was a most prolific scholar, yet served no public position. He carried a wide field of correspondents and wrote numerous books and articles. His studies run across a wide span of Jewish learning: Targum, Talmud, Geonica, Midrash, customs, liturgy, grammar and history as well as biographies of literary giants (Ibn Ezra, R. Zerachiah Halevi, Shadal, et al). Dr. Meir Herskovics published a portion of Reifmann’s correspondence in the rabbinic journal “Hadarom“ (1964-69), complete with a scholarly appraisal of Reifmann’s contribution to Jewish learning.