The Halakhah at Qumran

Schiffman, Lawrence H. The Halakhah at Qumran. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1975. First edition. Octavo. xii, 170pp. Indices and 12 page bibliography. Red cloth lettered in gilt, with publisher’s device on front cover. An ex-library copy with minimal rubber stamping on title & at bottom of text block, and a library pocket on rear pastedown, otherwise a near fine copy.

“After twenty-five years of research in Qumran studies, [this] sect still cannot be identified with any previously known group.” (Schiffman)

Contents: 1. The Study of Qujran Halakhah — 2. The sources of Qumran Halakhah : The Zadokite fragments ; Megillat Ha-Serakhim ; The war scroll ; The temple scroll — 3. Comparative sources : Bible ; Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha ; Philo Judaeus ; Josephus ; Rabbinic Literature ; Other Jewish Sects — 4. Qumran and the history of Jewish law — I. Halakhic terminology at Qumran : Nigleh and Nistar ; Meduqdaq, Nimsa’, Perush ; Mishpat, Miswah ; Yissurim ; Drs, Midrash ; Serekh ; Moshab Ha-Rabbim ; Summary: The Derivation of Halakhah at Qumran — II. Introduction to the Qumran Sabbath code : The Sabbath in Qumran literature ; A form-critical note on the Sabbath code.
III. The Qumran Sabbath code: Text and commentary : The Tosefet Melakhah ; Discussion of business ; Walking in the field ; A one thousand cubic Sabbath limit ; Preparation of food before the Sabbath ; Eating and drinking within the camp ; Drinking and washing on a journey ; Performance of Sabbath work by a Non-Jew ; The cleanliness of Sabbath garments ; Entering a partnership ; Pasturing animals ; Carrying from domain to domain ; Opening a sealed vessel ; Wearing of perfume bottles ; Handling rocks and earth ; Carrying infants ; Encouraging a servant to labor ; Caring for domesticated animals ; Spending the Sabbath among Gentiles ; Violation of the Sabbath for the sake of wealth ; Saving of life ; Sacrifices ; Summary: Qumran Sabbath Law — Conclusion: Halakhah and the identity of the sect.

Volume 16 of the Brill series, “Studies in Judaism in Late Antiquity.”

Note: This is a revision of the author’s thesis, Brandeis, 1974. near fine. Hardcover. (53245) $95