Only edition of this famed refutation of slanderous accusations made by the apostate Alexandro [Scipione] in Bologna in November, 1568 by R. Ishmael Ḥanina ben Mordecai ha-rofe of Valmontano. The accusations were based on negative comments, reputedly about Christianity, in the Talmud. R. Ishmael attempts to explain that the expressions do not refer to Christianity. He explains the concepts and roots of idolatry and quotes Maimonides in support of his explanations. R. Ishmael points out and demonstrates that the censor did not understand the passages he was quoting. His responses were not written voluntarily but after having been subjected to torture. R. Ishmael’s remarks, while polemic, are more than just that, and intellectually remove Christianity from the category of idolatry, although clearly showing that Judaism differs and does accept or agree with Christian concepts.

R. Ishmael Ḥanina ben Mordecai ha-rofe of Valmontano served as rabbi in Ferrara. Among his students was R. Menahem Azariah da Fano, the famed Italian rabbi and kabbalist.

Hebrew Description

  אשר חקר החוקר מעיר בול[ו]נייא אל כמוהר"ר ישמ[ע]אל חנינא נר"ו בכמוהר"ר מרדכי הרופא זלה"ה. ושם החוקר מנו"אל מונטו"ני... בחודש נובימרו... שנת שכ"ח <...1568 [צ"ל: 1567] למנינם> והיה עצור... בבית האסורים, והוא השיב תשובה נצחת לכל להורות אמיתות תורתינו... י"ל פעם ראשונה עפ"י כתב יד... ‬

נתפרסם לראשונה, על-פי כתב-יד קורוניל, על-ידי אהרן יעללינעק, בשם "חקירות על ענייני הנוצרים ותשובות על העלילות של המומר אליסאנדרי" ב"השחר", ב, תרל"א, עמ’ 17-23. ‬