Word-for-Word Comparisons of the Textual Witnesses on Chapters of the Babylonian Talmud [Manuscript Monday]
The Lieberman Institute Talmud Text databank allows users to see word-for-word comparison
The Saul Lieberman Institute of Talmudic Research announced today that they have compiled full word-for-word comparisons of the textual witnesses on entire chapters of the Babylonian Talmud! These synopses are compiled and presented as an Excel spreadsheet, each file encompassing one full chapter, aside from specific cases, where the chapter is split into two parts.
While they have not completed this yet for the entirety of the Babylonian Talmud, they have compiled it for the tractate of Sukkah, with chapter one (pp. 2-16), chapter one (pp. 17-20), chapter two, chapter three, chapter four, and chapter five currently posted on their website.
It’s not clear how far along they are or how many of the chapters for which they will provide synopses. They wrote that “If you wish to receive a synopsis of a particular chapter from the Babylonian Talmud, please contact us at lieberman.index@gmail.com,” and that during this “first stage, we will provide chapters from the shorter tractates.” This is certainly an excitingly helpful tool for those utilizing Talmudic manuscripts!
