Isaac Goldman (1812-88) was a former teacher of Hebrew and Aramaic, assistant censor, official government translator, and proofreader, who became a successful printer and publisher. To Goldman, printing was not only a livelihood, but also a way os spreading knowledge. In 1887, therefore, Goldman decided to publish an encyclopedia similar to the Konversations-Lexikon in German, with special attention to Jewish topics as well as those of general interest. His plan was to issue fifteen or more volumes in bi-weekly fasciles over a ten year period. Among the Hebrew scholars Goldman engaged were Abraham Shalom Friedberg and Saul Phineas Rabinowitz. Work began in mid-1887 with Friedberg as overall editor and Rabinowitz in charge of general administration, preparing a topics list, and translations of foreign words. They were assisted by scholars, primarily from Russia and Poland, who had attended foreign schools. Early in March 1888 the first fasciles appeared. Work was soon interrupted by the death of Goldman, but resumed a month later when his son Heinrich assumed responsibility. Haeshkol (Allgemeyne Entsiklopedye) began with the letter alef up to ibn Abbas. In the next six months 2 to 6 fasciles were issued, with a total of 766 columns and 2,500 entries. Publication then ceased, perhaps for organizational or financial reasons, but most likely due to a lack of public enthusiasm. Haeshkol received little literary support from Jewish journals and as a result did not reach its potential readership. Although attempts were made to revive Haeshkol during the next fifteen years none succeeded.