On the Conversion of a Polish Rabbanite to Karaite Judaism
On the Conversion of a Polish Rabbanite to Karaite Judaism

Summary/Abstract: The article depicts the unique case of conversion to Karaite Judaism of Rabbanite Simcha ben Yehoshua, motivated by theological reasons. The conversion presumably took place in Trakai in the early 19th century. This case is documented primarily by two official letters written by Simcha ben Yehoshua in Crimea, copies of which have been preserved in the collection of Abraham Firkowicz. These letters have not been published before. This event is also attested by a document in the Karaite language from the Crimea, preserved in the archives of the Taurida and Odessa Spiritual Consistory.

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