Prof. Moshe Gil (8 February 1921 – 23 January 2014) Contributions in the Many Areas Tirelessly

Mourning a Mentor Cohen on Gil

Professor Moshe Gil was the the Arab Peninsula prior to and on track by making me My memories of Moshe Gil “Rabbi Akiva” of our days, after the rise of Islam, and – his cross every t and dot every begin with his warm reception and like Akiva he started his main focus – Jewish and Muslim i, with no compromises, no of me and my family in Kibbutz academic studies late in life. societies in the east, during the short cuts, verifying every Reshafim on my earliest From that moment he never early Middle Ages, in light of the finding, while at the same time sabbatical in Israel. Chatting about ceased researching, innovating Genizah documents and Arab adhering to a high academic his life in Israel and his relatively and standing his ground before and Christian sources. standard and precise Hebrew late entrance into the university those who opposed his new language. I have been truly and a life of scholarship, he told ideas. He was a beacon of It is difficult for me to digest his blessed to have such a great us: “I spent the first part of my The Newsletter of the Taylor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit, Cambridge University Library No. 67 April 2014 light to many students and departure. He left behind a desk scholar as my mentor, and say, adult life building the State, then left behind an impressive full of new research, as despite with a sad smile, that “the song I decided to build myself.” Moshe legacy. The page is too short his advanced age and health of his life was cut short”. did both exceptionally well. It was to mention all of his important problems, he continued working a pleasure to have known him as Prof. Moshe Gil (8 February 1921 – 23 January 2014) contributions in the many areas tirelessly. I was his first research Elinoar Bareket colleague and friend. of his research, including the student, and he chose me and Achva Academic College history of the Jews in ancient paved the way for me with Prof. Mark R. Cohen Words on my teacher Palestine, Jewish history in help and support. He kept me Princeton University The community of Genizah researchers lost one of their leading lights in January when The Business of Identity in Medieval Egypt Professor Moshe Gil passed away at the age of 92 years. Phillip Lieberman’s new book, S. D. Goitein, that the Genizah is Born in Bialystock, Poland, he a reworking of his 2007 PhD typical of the medieval world in grew up in Romania, where thesis, ’A partnership culture’, which it was written, i.e., of the he was a leader in the Zionist is the culmination of a long wider Islamic milieu, and instead underground movement interest in the legal documents proposes an alternative model Ha-shomer ha-tsa’ir and was relating to the activities of for using Genizah documents imprisoned for his activities. Genizah merchants and what to provide a ‘window’ on that Gil emigrated to Eretz Israel in they can tell us about the world. This is an important, 1945, and became a founding medieval world in which they opinionated book. It is not for member of Kibbutz Reshafim. were written – or, rather, what the casual reader, but it examines He began his academic career in we can sensibly extrapolate interesting historical material 1965, at the age of 44, and went from them about the historical and presents some highly on to gain a Masters degree on context. Phillip concentrates stimulating argument. The first Roman Palestine from Tel Aviv on partnership deeds, which chapter, in particular, in which University. He would eventually Moshe Gil examining manuscripts in Cambridge University Library in the 1980s. are one of the most frequently Phillip assesses the work of serve there in a number of public occurring documents in scholars who have trodden this positions, including as the Head to the study of ancient Jewish In his final years, Gil was the early relationship between the Genizah Collection, and path before him (‘the Princeton of the Chaim Rosenberg School history, in particular economics, occupied with research on the the Jews and the first Muslims. examines in detail how Jewish School’, Goitein, Udovitch and of Jewish Studies, and as the halakha and theology. He never tribe of Kinda. In numerous He believed that the Enoch mercantile practice differed others), includes much that Dean. He held the Joseph and Ceil abandoned this interest, and publications he attempted literature and the Manichaeans from that of contemporary could be seen as critical of Mazer Chair in the History of Jews in 2008 published his book to identify the Jews of the were important influences on And the Roman Arabian Peninsula at the time early Islam. Both Gil and his) והרומאי אז בארץ Muslim traders, most notably in previous scholarship, but the in Muslim Lands, and in 1998 the way that the different sets rigour with which he approaches he was awarded the prestigious Was Then in the Land). Prof. Gil of Muhammad, and focused on mentor, Prof. M. Y. Kister, held of partners handled the sharing his subject can only be admired. Israel Prize for his work on the studied with Prof. S. Safrai, but Cairo Genizah manuscripts. saw Prof. Y. Efron as his primary of profit and loss. Building on The Genizah Research Unit is grateful for the generous support this, he questions one of the Ben Outhwaite mentor. As a student of Efron, Gil of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Friedberg Genizah Project, central assumptions of Genizah Research Unit Prof. Gil’s research dealt with viewed the Dead Sea Scrolls (as three major issues, and what well as the Enoch literature) as the British Academy Small Research Grant Scheme (Leverhulme follows is based on his writings late, non-Jewish literature. These Funds). We are also grateful for the help of our supporters: the estate (nas.s.) and conversations with views are not widely accepted, of Sara Alexandrowicz (£25,000); the estate of Mr Raoul Frenkel him (hadīth). and many researchers of the The Lauffer Family Charitable Trust has generously contributed towards the cost of producing this . through the Landsdowne Charitable Settlement (£1,000); The newsletter in memory of the late David Lauffer, an enthusiastic student of history and supporter Second Temple Period have Manifold Trust (Mr R Noskwith) (£300); Mr Norman Shelson (£200); of the Genizah Research Unit. In his early days at Tel Aviv ignored them, as they ignored J. Cynthia Weber ($250) and other smaller or anonymous donations. University, Gil devoted himself the works of Efron.

Genizah Research Unit Genizah Fragments 67 Cambridge University Library Editor Melonie Schmierer-Lee West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DR, England Design H2 Associates, Cambridge ON OTHER PAGES: Friedman on Gil | The Business of Identity in Medieval Egypt Words on my teacher continued from page 1 Genizah documents as well as in his character and enthusiasm The Second Revolution in Documentary Geniza Research light of medieval Muslim literature for scholarship. He is survived by Muslim sources to be reliable were necessary. His findings on on the gates of Jerusalem. two of his three daughters, nine I made Moshe Gil’s acquaintance for the history of the period Bustenai, the resh galuta at the grandchildren and one great in 1968, when he came to study of Muhammad, and criticized time of the Muslim conquest of Gil set high standards for Israeli granddaughter. with Prof. S. D. Goitein at the those who denied their worth as Persia, led him to state incorrectly historians to follow. Following University of Pennsylvania in historical sources. that the Jews believed that the Gil, the would-be historian must Prof. Yoram Erder (translated by Philadelphia. Having already Muslim conquest would improve learn many languages – and Dr. Miriam Goldstein) studied with Goitein for several Prof. S. Simonsohn sent Gil to their lot. His findings regarding above all, must learn about the Tel Aviv University years, I was completing my study with Prof. S. D. Goitein, the descendants of ‘Anan, who broader society in which Jews dissertation. When I asked setting Gil on course to become served in key positions in the lived. He regretted bitterly that Moshe about his plans, he said a Genizah scholar. His studies Rabbanite leadership of Iraq Goitein’s Mediterranean Society To receive Genizah forthright: “I’ll complete my of the Genizah cover various and the Land of Israel, led him was only partially translated Fragments, to inquire studies and submit my Ph.D. topics, including Jewish pious to conclude that the Ananite into Hebrew and stated his about the Collection, dissertation within two years and foundation documents, the movement coalesced only in the belief that Israeli intellectuals or to learn how to assist then go back to teach at Tel-Aviv history of the Jews of the Land of second half of the ninth century merited a full translation of this with its preservation and University.” Gil was twenty years T-S 13J16.14, one of Israel and of Babylonia during the with the Karaite movement. important work. study, please write to my senior and, at that time, the many letters in geonic period, and the history Dr Ben Outhwaite, Head almost as old as Goitein had the Cairo Genizah of the Jews of Sicily. Economics Gil read Muslim historiography Although a historian, Moshe of the Genizah Research been when he began his Geniza written by the Gaʾon were an important aspect of his alongside Genizah documents, Gil was always a man of the CAN HELP YOU HOW Unit, at Cambridge career. He had a wonderful sense Solomon b. Judah. research, and he made significant an approach which led him present, and continued to work University Library, of humor. In his late eighties, The life of the contributions to the study of the to important conclusions. on his research until a few days West Road, Cambridge, when asked how he was, he still colourful Gaʾon and Karaite movement. Genizah documents reveal that before he passed away. When CB3 9DR, England. answered that he was training the lost history the Rabbanite settlement in we gathered in honor of his to swim la Manche (the English of the Palestinian In his studies on the Genizah, Gil Jerusalem was near the “Priest ninetieth birthday, he spoke The Library can be reached Channel). When in 1968 I heard Yeshiva were sketched broad lines alongside Gate.” Gil’s identification was not for five minutes – not about by fax (01223) 333160 or by of his career plans, I chuckled illuminated by Moshe careful attention to detailed accepted by many; however his earlier research – but rather telephone (01223) 333000. at the naivety of this new-old- Gil in his History of points. He never hesitated to he was the first to examine the about his current projects. Inquiries by email should fellow-graduate student. But Palestine. This image, draw conclusions that he felt location of the gate in light of This attitude captures exactly be addressed to the Unit at: there was no humor in his plans, and 15,000 others, [email protected] and it was I who was naive. In are now available on two years he completed his Cambridge University Contributions to the Unit dissertation, “Documents of the Digital Library are made to the “University Jewish Pious Foundations from (cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk). of Cambridge,” which enjoys the Cairo Geniza,” earned his charitable status for tax and degree and returned to Tel-Aviv scholars for this task. When masterpieces, Palestine during and their creative analyses similar purposes. University to commence his he wrote those remarks in the First Muslim Period (634– will be challenged. None of meteoric academic career. April 1970, he could not have 1099) (Parts 2–3: Cairo Geniza this can detract an iota from In the USA the Collection imagined that much of the Documents) and In the Kingdom his remarkable contribution. is supported through The revolution in research work would be accomplished of Ishmael (Vols. 2–4: Texts from Innumerable dissertations and Geoffrey Khan, “Cambridge in America”. of the Geniza documents, singlehandedly by his graduate the Cairo Geniza) and in his researches have already been Avi Shivtiel, and For further information masterminded and executed student Moshe Gil, who was Yehuda Ha-Levi and his Circle: 55 based on his corpuses. Geniza Nicholas De Lange please contact them on by Goitein has long been then putting the final touches Geniza Documents, together with scholarship will never be the are pictured with 212-984-0960 or see their acclaimed and is well known to on his dissertation. Documents of the Jewish Pious same after Gil’s work. Stefan Reif, who website: www.cantab.org readers of Genizah Fragments. Foundations, shows that they gave the inaugural He characterized his magnum Only those who have number 1667. When one takes Gotein’s seminal “spadework” annual Genizah “Cambridge in America” is opus A Mediterranean Society as experienced the daunting into account Gil’s many other generated the first revolution lecture in March recognized by the IRS as a “spadework.” The significance challenge of identifying, studies, the number approaches of the documentary Geniza. 2014. The lecture, charitable organization, and of this ostensibly modest deciphering, translating, two thousand. This momentous Gil’s superb historical studies “Why Medieval contributions for the benefit description was explained in the annotating and analyzing a accomplishment is not only that were firmly grounded Jewish Liturgy is not of the Genizah Research Unit Dull”, was extremely preface to volume two: “I regard Judeo-Arabic Geniza fragment without parallel in the annals of on colossal editions of texts are legally deductible for well attended, and this book and similar publications can begin to fathom the Geniza research, it is of historical provided the second revolution. USA income tax purposes. is the outcome of a of mine solely as preparatory heroic dimensions of Gil’s proportions in the humanities Contributions are similarly collaboration stages leading to the main task of achievement. The numbers in general. Moshe Gil was not only a between the deductible in Canada even Geniza research, the systematic alone are overwhelming. scholars’ scholar, he was a friend. Genizah Research if made directly to the edition of the original texts with A simple calculation of the Present and future generations He will be sorely missed. Unit and the Faculty Development Office at the full translations, commentaries, fragments edited in Gil’s of scholars will re-examine, refine of Asian and Middle University of Cambridge. and facsimiles.” Goitein envisioned two multi-voluminous, and supplement Gil’s editions Prof. Mordechai A. Friedman Eastern Studies. setting up a team of young comprehensive, historical of Geniza texts. Some editions Tel Aviv University

GENIZAH FRAGMENTS 2 www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Taylor-Schechter GENIZAH FRAGMENTS 3 Words on my teacher continued from page 1 Genizah documents as well as in his character and enthusiasm The Second Revolution in Documentary Geniza Research light of medieval Muslim literature for scholarship. He is survived by Muslim sources to be reliable were necessary. His findings on on the gates of Jerusalem. two of his three daughters, nine I made Moshe Gil’s acquaintance for the history of the period Bustenai, the resh galuta at the grandchildren and one great in 1968, when he came to study of Muhammad, and criticized time of the Muslim conquest of Gil set high standards for Israeli granddaughter. with Prof. S. D. Goitein at the those who denied their worth as Persia, led him to state incorrectly historians to follow. Following University of Pennsylvania in historical sources. that the Jews believed that the Gil, the would-be historian must Prof. Yoram Erder (translated by Philadelphia. Having already Muslim conquest would improve learn many languages – and Dr. Miriam Goldstein) studied with Goitein for several Prof. S. Simonsohn sent Gil to their lot. His findings regarding above all, must learn about the Tel Aviv University years, I was completing my study with Prof. S. D. Goitein, the descendants of ‘Anan, who broader society in which Jews dissertation. When I asked setting Gil on course to become served in key positions in the lived. He regretted bitterly that Moshe about his plans, he said a Genizah scholar. His studies Rabbanite leadership of Iraq Goitein’s Mediterranean Society To receive Genizah forthright: “I’ll complete my of the Genizah cover various and the Land of Israel, led him was only partially translated Fragments, to inquire studies and submit my Ph.D. topics, including Jewish pious to conclude that the Ananite into Hebrew and stated his about the Collection, dissertation within two years and foundation documents, the movement coalesced only in the belief that Israeli intellectuals or to learn how to assist then go back to teach at Tel-Aviv history of the Jews of the Land of second half of the ninth century merited a full translation of this with its preservation and University.” Gil was twenty years T-S 13J16.14, one of Israel and of Babylonia during the with the Karaite movement. important work. study, please write to my senior and, at that time, the many letters in geonic period, and the history Dr Ben Outhwaite, Head almost as old as Goitein had the Cairo Genizah of the Jews of Sicily. Economics Gil read Muslim historiography Although a historian, Moshe of the Genizah Research been when he began his Geniza written by the Gaʾon were an important aspect of his alongside Genizah documents, Gil was always a man of the CAN HELP YOU HOW Unit, at Cambridge career. He had a wonderful sense Solomon b. Judah. research, and he made significant an approach which led him present, and continued to work University Library, of humor. In his late eighties, The life of the contributions to the study of the to important conclusions. on his research until a few days West Road, Cambridge, when asked how he was, he still colourful Gaʾon and Karaite movement. Genizah documents reveal that before he passed away. When CB3 9DR, England. answered that he was training the lost history the Rabbanite settlement in we gathered in honor of his to swim la Manche (the English of the Palestinian In his studies on the Genizah, Gil Jerusalem was near the “Priest ninetieth birthday, he spoke The Library can be reached Channel). When in 1968 I heard Yeshiva were sketched broad lines alongside Gate.” Gil’s identification was not for five minutes – not about by fax (01223) 333160 or by of his career plans, I chuckled illuminated by Moshe careful attention to detailed accepted by many; however his earlier research – but rather telephone (01223) 333000. at the naivety of this new-old- Gil in his History of points. He never hesitated to he was the first to examine the about his current projects. Inquiries by email should fellow-graduate student. But Palestine. This image, draw conclusions that he felt location of the gate in light of This attitude captures exactly be addressed to the Unit at: there was no humor in his plans, and 15,000 others, [email protected] and it was I who was naive. In are now available on two years he completed his Cambridge University Contributions to the Unit dissertation, “Documents of the Digital Library are made to the “University Jewish Pious Foundations from (cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk). of Cambridge,” which enjoys the Cairo Geniza,” earned his charitable status for tax and degree and returned to Tel-Aviv scholars for this task. When masterpieces, Palestine during and their creative analyses similar purposes. University to commence his he wrote those remarks in the First Muslim Period (634– will be challenged. None of meteoric academic career. April 1970, he could not have 1099) (Parts 2–3: Cairo Geniza this can detract an iota from In the USA the Collection imagined that much of the Documents) and In the Kingdom his remarkable contribution. is supported through The revolution in research work would be accomplished of Ishmael (Vols. 2–4: Texts from Innumerable dissertations and Geoffrey Khan, “Cambridge in America”. of the Geniza documents, singlehandedly by his graduate the Cairo Geniza) and in his researches have already been Avi Shivtiel, and For further information masterminded and executed student Moshe Gil, who was Yehuda Ha-Levi and his Circle: 55 based on his corpuses. Geniza Nicholas De Lange please contact them on by Goitein has long been then putting the final touches Geniza Documents, together with scholarship will never be the are pictured with 212-984-0960 or see their acclaimed and is well known to on his dissertation. Documents of the Jewish Pious same after Gil’s work. Stefan Reif, who website: www.cantab.org readers of Genizah Fragments. Foundations, shows that they gave the inaugural He characterized his magnum Only those who have number 1667. When one takes Gotein’s seminal “spadework” annual Genizah “Cambridge in America” is opus A Mediterranean Society as experienced the daunting into account Gil’s many other generated the first revolution lecture in March recognized by the IRS as a “spadework.” The significance challenge of identifying, studies, the number approaches of the documentary Geniza. 2014. The lecture, charitable organization, and of this ostensibly modest deciphering, translating, two thousand. This momentous Gil’s superb historical studies “Why Medieval contributions for the benefit description was explained in the annotating and analyzing a accomplishment is not only that were firmly grounded Jewish Liturgy is not of the Genizah Research Unit Dull”, was extremely preface to volume two: “I regard Judeo-Arabic Geniza fragment without parallel in the annals of on colossal editions of texts are legally deductible for well attended, and this book and similar publications can begin to fathom the Geniza research, it is of historical provided the second revolution. USA income tax purposes. is the outcome of a of mine solely as preparatory heroic dimensions of Gil’s proportions in the humanities Contributions are similarly collaboration stages leading to the main task of achievement. The numbers in general. Moshe Gil was not only a between the deductible in Canada even Geniza research, the systematic alone are overwhelming. scholars’ scholar, he was a friend. Genizah Research if made directly to the edition of the original texts with A simple calculation of the Present and future generations He will be sorely missed. Unit and the Faculty Development Office at the full translations, commentaries, fragments edited in Gil’s of scholars will re-examine, refine of Asian and Middle University of Cambridge. and facsimiles.” Goitein envisioned two multi-voluminous, and supplement Gil’s editions Prof. Mordechai A. Friedman Eastern Studies. setting up a team of young comprehensive, historical of Geniza texts. Some editions Tel Aviv University

GENIZAH FRAGMENTS 2 www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Taylor-Schechter GENIZAH FRAGMENTS 3 Mourning a Mentor Cohen on Gil