Recently a new issue of the Torah journal Moriah appeared in Jerusalem.
It was, in some respects a special edition. With the appearance of this issue, Moriah completed the 20th year of its publication. “240 numbers- 20 volumes, have thus far appeared” the editor wrote in a special statement at the beginning of the periodical. “It is planned, ” the statement continued , “to prepare a volume which will include detailed indices of topics, sources and names of the 20 volumes of Moriah as well as to the memorial volumes published by the periodical.”
The 20 volumes of Moriah represent, indeed a great treasure of Torah. The detailed indices will help scholars discover all its riches.
Moriah was founded 20 years ago by Rabbi Avrahahm HaLevi Sher, who for half a century was one of the leaders of the Vaad HaYeshivot in the Land of Israel. Rabbi Sher who died a short time ago, was also the head of Geulim, an organization which provided immigrants from Russia with religious Jewish literature in the Russian language.
During the first year of its existence, Moriah was edited by the late Rabbi Moshe Hershler, longtime member of the editorial staff of the Talmudic Encyclopedia and the editor of excellent scholarly editions of numerous early commentaries on the Talmud.
Since then, Rabbi Joseph Buxbaum, head of Machon Yerushalayim, has served as Moriah’s editor-in-chief.
Moriah has conquered the Torah world. It has been acclaimed by Gedolei Yisrael and is widely read and studied.
This is due to the fine editing and the rich contents of each issue, which featured, in addition to contributions by famous rabbis and roshei yeshiva and other outstanding Torah scholars, unpublished writings by Rishonim and Aharonim (early and later authorities). There are other Torah journals which print manuscripts of rabbis of former generations, but none has done this on such a large scale as Moriah. Each issue contains annotated novellae, commentaries or decisions by Rishonim, which were never published before, as well as unknown letters, responsa or notes by Aharonim. The publication of Aharonim is generally accompanied by short, but excellent biographies of the authors and includes facsimilies of their handwritings.
In recent issues of Moriah, the following works by Rishonim have appeared inter alia. A fragment of Rav Hai Gaon’s commentary on Tractate Gittin (edited by R. Z. Y. Leitner), a responsum by Rabbenu Hananel (edit. by R. Simha Hasida) and Tossefot HaRosh on the beginning of Arvei Pesahim (edit. by R. Avraham Shoshana).
Here are some names of Aharonim whose writings appeared in Moriah during the last year: Rabbi Nathan Adler (Frankfurt), Rabbi Pinhas Horowitz, Rabbi Ephraim Zalman Margulies, Rabbi Judah Aszod, Rabbi Shemuel Salant, Rabbi Yitzhak Elhanan Spektor and Rabbi Hayyim Soloveitchik.
Geonim of our time – who are no more- whose Divrei Torah were published from manuscript in the latest issues of Moriah include: Rabbi Chaim Heller, Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik, Rabbi Yisrael Zeev Gustman, Rabbi Aaron Hayyim Zimmerman and Rabbi Yehezkel Abramsky (Moriah printed a letter Rabbi Abramsky wrote to Rabbi Sh. Y. Zevin, after the latter published an essay about the Rogatchover).
Moriah carries leading articles only on special occasions. Such was the death last year of the Gaon Rabbi Shelomo Zalman Auerbach ZTL.
In his emotion packed lead article which appeared in the issue of Nissan 5755, Rabbi Joseph Buxbaum bewails the great loss suffered by our people through the death of Rabbi Shelomo Zalman. He also speaks of Machon Yerusahalyim’s loss — the deceased had served as its president – and of Moriah:
“Our master followed the publication of Moriah with love and great interest. His articles in Halakha and Hiddushei Torah adorned many of the issues. We asked his advice and consulted him in various matters and his replies and advice guided and directed us.”
The leading article concludes with a personal note: “I mourn greatly for my master and teacher. Though I cannot yet find the words for all I feel, I must express my gratitude for all that he gave to me and to my family. I must give thanks for the great privilege of having been close to this great man…”
The same issue of Moriah featured a special section to the teachings of Rabbi Shelomo Zalman Auerbach ZT”L. The special section was continued in the following issues.
The Jewish Press, Friday, February 16, 1996 p. 69