Bidspirit auction | (AMERICAN JUDAICA). A.B. Ehrlich. Rashei

(AMERICAN JUDAICA). A.B. Ehrlich. Rashei Perakim. The First Talmud Textbook for Jewish Children in America First edition. [4], 67, [1], 115 pp. Dampstained, leaves loose. Original boards, spine taped. 8vo. Goldman 288. New York: J. Wiley’s Sons, 1883. A groundbreaking work in American Jewish education, Rashei Perakim is the first known attempt to introduce Talmud study into elementary Jewish schooling in America. The book presents vocalized selections from the Talmud and Midrash, making these foundational texts more accessible to young learners. In his introduction, Ehrlich expresses his desire to provide a translation and commentary in English but laments financial constraints that prevented him from doing so: “My heart originally desired to add a translation and commentary in the language of this land in order to benefit our youngsters, however the heart is dependent on the pocket… therefore my work leaves the print-shop without the translation.” A.B. Ehrlich, a Polish-born scholar, underwent a dramatic personal journey—converting to Christianity before ultimately returning to Jewish observance after immigrating to America in 1876.