of his religious and liturgical customs, and contains much valuable information as to the German rites of his age.
Maimonides. Moses son of Maimon was born in 1135 and died in 1204. Three of his works are often cited in these notes: (i) Commentary on the Mishnah, completed in 1168; (2) the Code of Laws, called Yad Haḥazakah and also Mishneh Torah, completed in 1180, in this is also contained a complete Prayer Book; (3) the Guide for the Perplexed, completed in 1190.
Masorah. This word is derived from masar to hand over. It is specifically applied to the system, now traditional, by which the Hebrew text of the Scriptures was fixed. The system of masorah goes back to ancient times; the tenth century marked the close of the masoretic activity.
Midrash, from darash to examine or expound, is the term applied to the Interpretation of Scriptures. The compilations known as Midrash are of various dates; those cited in the Notes chiefly include the Mechilta on Exodus; Siphra on Leviticus; Siphre on Numbers and Deuteronomy; Rabba and Tanḥuma on the Pentateuch; the Pesiktoth on special sections; the Pirke de R. Eleazar.
Mishnah is derived from shanah to repeat, hence to study or teach. The Mishnah is the Code compiled by R. Jehudah ha-Nasi, at about the year 200 of the current era.
Rashi. Isaac son of Solomon of Troyes (known as Rashi) was born in 1040 and died in 1105. Among other works were his famous commentaries on the Bible and Talmud. His Prayer Book (Siddur Rashi) was recently edited by S. Buber for the Mekiṣe Nirdamim Society (Berlin, 1910-11).
Rokeaḥ. This is the title of an ethical work by Eleazar of Worms; it includes much ritual and liturgical matter. The author was born about 1176; he died in 1238.
Saadiah. Saadiah son of Joseph was Gaon of Sura. He was born in 892 and died in 942. He was the author of
