“See this is newly published for the first time from an ancient manuscript [as described in the introduction] from the Talmud Yerushalmi, Seder Kedoshim, first section, Masechet Zevachim-Archin” with the commentary Cheshek Shlomo—by the publisher, the counterfeiter “Shlomo Yehuda S”t, son of the Maharam HaSefardi, known as Friedlander.” With endorsements of great rabbis, who fell into the trap laid for them by the counterfeiter. Two covers in red and black ink, with blocks moved during printing. Published by S. Worhall, printed by Wieder, 1909. [7], 100 pages. Tears in the title pages, some missing text, repairs and tears at the edges of pages, with lone bits of damage to text, stains, two notes handwritten (one of which is smudged), otherwise generally good condition. Bound with the book Shut Ben Porat, second section by the Gaon Rabbi Yosef Angel, first edition. [1], 46 pages. Old binding, generally good condition. Background: the advertisement of the discovery of an old manuscript with the lost Seder Kedoshim, from the Talmud Yerushalmi, gave rise to great excitement in the entire religious Jewish world, even among Jewish sages who were known to have very developed critical senses, like the Chafetz Haim, the Maharsham of Berezhin, and others. But they unfortunately fell for the trap. For two reasons: first, the great expectation for the Redemption, since the discovery of Seder Kedoshim dealing with the laws of sacrifice of korbanot in the Temple constituted a sign that the days until the Mashiach and Redemption were few, and that Hashem had sent the Yerushalmi so that we could prepare for the Temple. The second reason: the quality of the counterfeit. The counterfeiter Friedlander copied and organised with great skill all of the Yerushalmi’s articles dealing to the Seder Kedoshim, some mentioned in the books of the Rishonim, some from the Yerushalmi in other Masechtot, and some he invented from his own brilliance. But quickly, some of the most discerning religious figures (the Rogachover rebbe, the Kli Chemda, and more) discovered the counterfeit, and figured out that Friedlander was responsible. Until today there are still those who insist that the manuscript is authentic! It must be noted that the Gaon of Tchevin said that he knew Friedlander, and that he wasn’t skilled enough to create such a counterfeit by himself. In any case, after the fake was discovered, most copies were sent to genizah. Those that remained became a collector’s item. Important stamps are on this copy, such as the “Company for Book Purchases at the Beit Midrash of Rav Aharon of Krakow”— Rabbi Aharon Shapira, son of the Meor v’Shemesh. Stamps are from the first Chassidic Beit Midrash of Krakow, established in his father’s name, Rabbi Klonimus Kalman Shapira, the Me’or V’Shemesh. There is also a handwritten note with the contents of the stamps.
