The story of the finding and reconstruction of an ancient Jewish mysterious manuscript on magic was presented today at the 37th annual meeting here of the American Academy for Jewish Research.
The report was given by Dr. Mordechai Margalioth, Professor of Midrashic and Gaonic Literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The manuscript is Sefer Ha-Razim, Book of Secrets, which was written in the Second Century of the Common Era by members of an unidentified Jewish Gnostic sect. It was lost after the eighth century.
Dr. Margalioth found what he believed to be fragments of the lost book several years ago, finding parts of the document in various cities, the last being Leningrad. He uncovered the fragments there and microfilms were sent to him in this country.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
