Bidspirit auction | The Forged Yerushalmi Kodshim –

The Forged Yerushalmi Kodshim – Complete Set, Sieni 1907 - The Forged Yerushalmi Kodshim, Sieni 1907-1909. A handsome, complete set in two volumes with matching bindings.  The story of the Yerushalmi Kodshim is perhaps one the most bizarre events that transpired in the Rabbinic world in the last few centuries. A learned Jew by the name of Shlomo Yehuda Algazi-Friedlander, who also claimed to be of Sephardic descent, was said to have found the original manuscript of the Talmud Yerushalmi on Seder Kodshim hidden in faraway Turkey. He then went to the greatest Torah luminaries of the generation, such as the Maharsham of Brezen and R. Yosef Rosen - The Rogatchover Gaon, and many others, to try and sell them on his new find. Many Torah leaders believed his story initially, and wrote glowing approbations to the work. In fact, the Maharsham even wrote Hagahos on the work, and they are printed at the end of Bechoros.  The primary reason why his story was believed, was because there is mention of the Yerushalmi on Kodshim amongst some of the Rishonim, which tells us that it did exist but has since been lost. Soon after however, it became apparent that this entire work was a sophisticated forgery. To that end, many of the Rabbonim who had initially gave their approbation issued retractions and distanced themselves from this individual. Interestingly, The Rogatchover Gaon actually wrote three Teshuvos regarding this work (see: Tzofnas Pa’aneach, Responsa 113-115), where he ultimately concludes that there are far too many inconsistencies to deem it authentic. In his final responsa on this topic, he writes that it is obvious that this work is a complete forgery. Please refer to the Hebrew description for an exact quote of the text.  It was later revealed that there existed no individual by the name of Shlomo Friedlander, but rather an Ashkenazi Jew who lived in Russia, in the region of Vitebsk.  Vol. I (Zevachim-Arachin): [7], 100 pp. Complete with two title pages. 33.5cm. Vol. II (Chulin, Bechoros): [10], 78; [1], 47 pp. Complete with two title pages. With stamps of the Chevra Shas Khal Yereim of Nirbatter. With a separate title page for Tractate Bechoros. 35cm.