I am pleased to announce the publication (Hebrew) of "Simkhes Toyre Lid le-Rivkah Tiktiner", by Yael Levine (32 pp.) [=Simchas Torah Song by Rivkah Tiktiner].
Rivkah bat Meir Tiktiner (d. 1605) was the first Jewish woman to compose a book, the Yiddish musar work for women "Meineket Rivkah" (Rebeka's Nursemaid). This book was published in two editions, the first was issued in Prague 1609. Rivkah Tiktiner is buried in the ancient Jewish cemetery in Prague, though she arrived there at an unknown date from Poland. Rivkah Tiktiner also composed a Yiddish song, "Simkhes Toyre Lid." This song, consisting of eighty lines, is a hymn of praise to The Creator. The motif of the future redemption, including the banquet of the righteous, figures prominently in the second part of the song. The dates of the composition of both "Simkhes Toyre Lid" and "Meineket Rivkah" are unknown. Two undated editions of "Simkhes Toyre Lid" have reached us, which were most probably published in Prague in the seventeenth century. The Yiddish version of "Simkhes Toyre Lid" was published in a critical edition by Chone Shmeruk, first in an article on Rivkah Tiktiner which appeared in 1978, and subsequently in an updated version in his book "Sifrut Yiddish be-Polin," published by Magnes Press in 1981. In "Simkhes Toyre Lid le-Rivkah Tiktiner," the Yiddish critical edition by Shmeruk is reproduced. This is followed by a Hebrew translation, carried out in conjunction with Dr. Boris Kotlerman; This is the first Hebrew translation of "Simkhes Toyre Lid". References to the motifs appearing in the song are also included. "Simkhes Toyre Lid" was chanted by women when they decorated the Torah scrolls prior to Simhat Torah. (See A. Ya'ari, Toldot Hag Simhat Torah, Jerusalem 1964, p. 464). Despite the fact that in actuality this song was recited by women, its content is of a general nature, and it is therefore suggested that its recitation be renewed, and the song be reclaimed in our time by both men and women alike. The Yiddish text of "Simkhes Toyre Lid" and its Hebrew translation appearing in "Simkhes Toyre Lid le-Rivkah Tiktiner," are prefaced with a scholarly introduction concerning Rivkah Tiktiner and her works. The introduction commences with the biographical information known about Tiktiner. A Yizkor prayer in her memory is published for the first time from the manuscript "Kuntress Beit Knesset Altneushul bi-Prague" (Jewish Museum of Prague, ms. 113). This prayer is the only known source which makes mention of her husband. His personal name appears in the prayer. However, the manuscript is defective in this place, and it is not possible to discern it. The introductory chapter also compiles for the first time the evidence concerning learned women in Prague. Most interestingly, on several inscriptions in the ancient Jewish cemetery there is reference to women who devoted their time to Torah study. One of these learned women was Rivkah (d. 1579), aunt of R. Isaiah Horowitz, the Shelah. Additional learned women were Feigele Katz, daughter of the Maharal, and mother to Hava Bacharach. The latter was uniquely learned, and her grandson, R. Ya'ir Hayyim Bacharach, wrote in the introduction to his book of responsa "Havot Ya'ir" that he chose this title in her honor. (This work contains, inter alia, the first responsum concerning women and the recitation of kaddish). R. Ya'ir Hayyim Bacharach also related in the preface to this work, in the name of his father, that after her husband passed away, the Shelah wished to marry her. She, however, chose not to remarry "in honor of her husband." "Simkhes Toyre Lid le-Rivkah Tiktiner" is available at the following locations in Jerusalem: Lichtenstein bookstore on Straus St. near Kikar ha-Shabbat; Judaica Book Centre on 5 Even Israel St., off King George St.; Hevruta Book Store on 16 ha-Lamed Hey St. in Old Katamon; Nissan Levi Store on 9 Keren ha-Kayyemet St., Jerusalem. The price of the booklet is NIS 20. Mail orders in Israel are accepted directly from myself at NIS20 + NIS 5 for postage. Orders from abroad may be placed in one of several ways. Orders may be placed directly from myself. The copies will be sent airmail for NIS 20 + NIS 15 postage and handling (payable in shekalim). Bulk orders (5 copies and above) are payable in dollars (checks only). Orders abroad may be placed with Sifrei Yerushalayim payable in foreign currency. Please contact Sifrei Yerushalayim for further details: Email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] or Tel.: 972-2-6433580. 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