R. Wormsi Eleázár személyes élményeinek szerepe halákhikus műveiben, két kéziratkiadás kapcsán
The Role of R. Eleazar of Worms’ Personal Experience in His Halakhic Works in Connection with Two Manuscript Editions

Summary/Abstract: In connection with the manuscript editions of two Halakhic works of R. Eleazar of Worms (1160/65—1238) – Ma’aseh Rokeach (Ms. ‘Sinai’, Berlin, Jüdisches Museum VII.5.262) and Shaareh schitah utrefot (Ms. New York, JTS 1923) –, the study tries to present those halakhic rulings and customs which were witnessed by the author in his youth, and which were rendered by outstanding rabbinic authorities of the Jewish communities of the Rhinish cities, Mainz, Worms and Speyer: by his father, by his relatives, by his teachers, and by himself. These examples are unique sources for the history of Halakhah and customs, and they also give insight into the way in which Halakhic problems were solved at that time. The first chapter deals with the customs of Pesach; the second one with customs, laws and responsa connected with avodha zarah (prohibitions because of idolatry) and yayin nesekh (idolatrous – prohibited – wine); the third one with the case of a fallen animal that was declared forbidden to eat. Apart from the fact that these examples are important sources for the history of Halakhah and customs, they also have great value due to the description itself, which by authenticity and vividness represents the genre of personal account within the frame of a Halakhic oeuvre. Therefore, the fourth part connects these examples with two descriptions by R. Eleazar of Worms taken from other sources concerning two attacks of the crusaders which he, his family, and his community suffered. The main suggestion of the study is that the motivation for writing both the personal experiences described in these early Halakhic works of R. Eleazar as well as his chronicle-like notes about tragic events witnessed by himself in his own life, is the same: to minutely record certain real events which were part of his personal experience, and which were important to him.

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