Creator Bio
Sahl ben Matsliaḥ
10th Century
Abū ’l-Sarrī Sahl ben Matsliaḥ was a Karaite scholar who was primarily based in Jerusalem. Sahl traveled widely, propagandizing on behalf of Karaism. He wrote in both Arabic and Hebrew, even combining the two languages in a single work. Like many Karaite polemicists, Sahl attacked Se‘adya Ga’on (882–942), particularly in the Book of Admonitions (Sefer tokhaḥot). Sahl cataloged many of the mainstays of Karaite- Rabbanite polemic, including the Jewish calendar, ritual purity, and laws of forbidden marriages. His Book of the Commandments (Sefer ha-mitsvot), which focused on Karaite ritual law, gained respect among later Karaites. Sahl composed other exegetical and legal works, not all of which have survived.
Content by Sahl ben Matsliaḥ
Primary Source
Letter to Jacob ben Samuel
I have come from Jerusalem to caution the sons of my people, and who would hasten to take heed of this matter except the Karaites who meditate in the Law of the Lord? But you, why were you angered…
Primary Source
The Book of Commandments: Introduction
If God will purify His entire people Israel from all impurity and give them a new heart and a new spirit and gather them all to His holy city . . . His House and His Temple, and establish us in His…