Detailed
Description |
|
Genealogy of and biographical work on the Yahya family by Eliakim Carmoly. There is an introduction from Carmoly, in which he informs that the Yahya family is one of distinction from the time of Maimonides. Originally achieving greatness in Portugal and Spain, they after settled in Italy and Turkey. The text is preceded by a chart of the family, beginning with the Nasi, Don Yahya, and concluding with Don Gedalia. The text, in seven chapters, is set in a single column, primarily in rabbinic type although there are instances of vocalized square letters, and is accompanied by extensive footnotes. The final page is an announcement of the forthcoming publication of seven minor Yerushalmi tractates by Carmoli.
The Yarhi family is a distinguished one. Among its many illustrious members are R. David ben Solomon ibn Yahya (Kav ve-Naki, Leshon Limmudim, Hilkhot Terefot ha-Sirkhah, Tehillah le-David); R. Joseph ben David ibn Yahya (Torah Or, Perush Hamesh Megillot); and R. Gedaliah ben Joseph ibn Yahya (Shalshelet ha-Kabbalah).
Eliakim Carmoly (1802–1875) was born in Sulz, Alsace and studied under distinguished rabbis in Colmar. After spending some years examining Hebrew manuscripts in the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, he took up a rabbinical post in Brussels in 1832. He resigned after seven years because of criticism of his reformist tendencies and moved to Frankfort. There he devoted himself to the collection and study of ancient manuscripts and books, about which he published articles in Hebrew, French, and German journals. However, he was suspected by the Hebrew scholars of his time of carelessness and even forgery. A prolific writer his Hebrew books include: Toledot Gedolei Yisrael, Sippur Eldad ha-Dani, Mevasseret Ziyyon, Elleh ha-Massa’ot, and Ha-Orevim u-Venei Yonah. He also wrote a coronation poem, in Hebrew and French, in praise of Louis-Philippe of France (1830). Carmoly was also one of the pioneers in the study of the history of Jewish medicine and Jewish physicians, and wrote Histoire des Medecins juifs (1844). He edited Revue Orientale (1841–46), contributing most of the articles himself. |
