Reading Room
Welcome to the Karaite Jews of America's Reading Room. Here you'll find historical and new texts on Karaite Judaism. While many of these works are related to the historical Karaite halakha, as our reading room grows will also provide educational resources for people interested in the variety of positions within Karaite Judaism. (Unless otherwise specified, you may use any of these documents for non-commercial, educational or religious purposes.)
To help you choose an appropriate work for your interests and knowledge, we have provided a description of each work and a key to help determine if the work is at your knowledge level.
Introductory: Little or no Knowledge of Judaism Required
Beginning: Some Knowledge of Judaism Required
Intermediate: Modest Knowledge of Judaism Required
Advanced: Significant Knowledge of Judaism Required
Expert: Significant Understanding of Karaite and Rabbanite Judaism Required
To help you choose an appropriate work for your interests and knowledge, we have provided a description of each work and a key to help determine if the work is at your knowledge level.
Introductory: Little or no Knowledge of Judaism Required
Beginning: Some Knowledge of Judaism Required
Intermediate: Modest Knowledge of Judaism Required
Advanced: Significant Knowledge of Judaism Required
Expert: Significant Understanding of Karaite and Rabbanite Judaism Required
Mikdash Me'at: An English Language Abridgement of Adderet Eliyahu
By Tomer Mangoubi
By Tomer Mangoubi
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Introduction
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Description: Mikdash Me'at is an English-Language summary of Adderet Eliyahu, one of the classical Karaite halakhic works. Mikdash Me'at is Hebrew for "Diminished Sanctuary" and is a reference to a verse in Ezekiel. (See Ezekiel 11:16.) This document is an introduction to Mikdash Me'at and will provide a brief description of the goals of Mikdash Me'at, as well as the historical tenets of Karaite Judaism.
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Description: Mikdash Me'at is an English-Language summary of Adderet Eliyahu, one of the classical Karaite halakhic works. Mikdash Me'at is Hebrew for "Diminished Sanctuary" and is a reference to a verse in Ezekiel. (See Ezekiel 11:16.) This document is an introduction to Mikdash Me'at and will provide a brief description of the goals of Mikdash Me'at, as well as the historical tenets of Karaite Judaism.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 1 (Adderet Eliyahu's Introduction)
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes the introduction of Adderet Eliyahu. This section discusses (i) the meaning Karaites seek in the text, (ii) the use of analogy and logical deduction to understand the laws properly, and (iii) and why many historical Karaites believe that some practices are binding even though they are not expressly written in the Torah.
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes the introduction of Adderet Eliyahu. This section discusses (i) the meaning Karaites seek in the text, (ii) the use of analogy and logical deduction to understand the laws properly, and (iii) and why many historical Karaites believe that some practices are binding even though they are not expressly written in the Torah.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 2 (Sanctifying the Month)
Level: Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of how to set the calendar. It describes (i) the astronomical events referred to as "erev," (ii) setting the month by sighting the new moon; (iii) setting the year by searching for the aviv, and (iv) the qualifications of witnesses.
Level: Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of how to set the calendar. It describes (i) the astronomical events referred to as "erev," (ii) setting the month by sighting the new moon; (iii) setting the year by searching for the aviv, and (iv) the qualifications of witnesses.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 3 (Shabbat)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the laws concerning Shabbat. It provides a theological framework within which to understand Shabbat. The section also addresses an important concept in Karaite Judaism: Standard Terms v. Torah Terms.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the laws concerning Shabbat. It provides a theological framework within which to understand Shabbat. The section also addresses an important concept in Karaite Judaism: Standard Terms v. Torah Terms.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 4 (The Pesach Sacrifice)
Level: Beginning
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the Pesach Sacrifice. The section focuses on the timing of the Pesach, and also explains the similarities between the Pesach of Egypt, the Standard Pesach, and the Second Pesach.
Level: Beginning
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the Pesach Sacrifice. The section focuses on the timing of the Pesach, and also explains the similarities between the Pesach of Egypt, the Standard Pesach, and the Second Pesach.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 5 (Chag HaMatzot)
Level: Beginning/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the Chag HaMatzot ("The Feast of Unleavened Bread"). The section provides an overview of the biblical holidays and explains the dietary prohibitions for the holiday and on which days work is forbidden.
Level: Beginning/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of the Chag HaMatzot ("The Feast of Unleavened Bread"). The section provides an overview of the biblical holidays and explains the dietary prohibitions for the holiday and on which days work is forbidden.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 6 (Chag HaShavuot)
Level: Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Shavuot. It discusses the timing of Shavuot, which is one of the major disputes between the Karaites and the Rabbanites. It also addresses whether Shavuot is the day of the revelation at Sinai.
Level: Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Shavuot. It discusses the timing of Shavuot, which is one of the major disputes between the Karaites and the Rabbanites. It also addresses whether Shavuot is the day of the revelation at Sinai.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 7 (Yom Teru'ah)
Level: Beginner
Description: This brief section of Mikdash Me'at discusses Yom Teru'ah (what the Rabbanites call Rosh Hashanah), whether it is the start of the year, and whether it is required to blow a shofar on the holiday.
Level: Beginner
Description: This brief section of Mikdash Me'at discusses Yom Teru'ah (what the Rabbanites call Rosh Hashanah), whether it is the start of the year, and whether it is required to blow a shofar on the holiday.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 8 (Yom HaKippurim)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Yom HaKippurim. It addresses the requirement to fast on Yom HaKippurim and also discusses the post-Torah fasts discussed in the Writings and the Prophets. There is a particular focus on whether these fasts are required.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Yom HaKippurim. It addresses the requirement to fast on Yom HaKippurim and also discusses the post-Torah fasts discussed in the Writings and the Prophets. There is a particular focus on whether these fasts are required.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 9 (Chag HaSukkot)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Chag HaSukkot. It addresses the several requirements related to the sukkah: 1) who must build the sukkah; 2) who must dwell in the sukkah; and 3) what may we build the sukkah out of? It also touches on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's explanation of Chag HaSukkot. It addresses the several requirements related to the sukkah: 1) who must build the sukkah; 2) who must dwell in the sukkah; and 3) what may we build the sukkah out of? It also touches on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 10 (Principles of Faith)
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's discussion of the 10 Principles of Faith according to Eliyahu Bashyatzi. The Principles of Faith set for by various Karaites historically have unique components, reflecting Karaite values.
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's discussion of the 10 Principles of Faith according to Eliyahu Bashyatzi. The Principles of Faith set for by various Karaites historically have unique components, reflecting Karaite values.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 11 (Idolatry and Sanctifying God's Name)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's discussion of the idolatrous practices; it also analyzes the prohibitions against rounding the corners of the head, cutting oneself, making bald spots, destroying the corners of one’s beard, and making tattoos.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at summarizes Adderet Eliyahu's discussion of the idolatrous practices; it also analyzes the prohibitions against rounding the corners of the head, cutting oneself, making bald spots, destroying the corners of one’s beard, and making tattoos.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 12 (Interpersonal Conduct)
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at focuses on how we are to treat ourselves, our parents, our fellow Jews, elders, and teachers.
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at focuses on how we are to treat ourselves, our parents, our fellow Jews, elders, and teachers.
Title: Mikdash Me'at: Section 13 (Temple Dedications)
Level: Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at concerns dedications to the Temple and whether concept of Temple dedications exists today. It also focuses on certain marriage and mourning laws related to the Kohanim.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 14 (Prayer)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the requirement to pray, rules regarding the synagogue and ritual purity, and whether women are commanded to wear tzitziot.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the requirement to pray, rules regarding the synagogue and ritual purity, and whether women are commanded to wear tzitziot.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 15 (Shechita)
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at explains the traditional Karaite method of ritual slaughtering ("Shechita") and the laws concerning slaughter. It also discusses whether the refraining of eating the gid hanashe is considered a commandment or a custom.
Level: Beginner
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at explains the traditional Karaite method of ritual slaughtering ("Shechita") and the laws concerning slaughter. It also discusses whether the refraining of eating the gid hanashe is considered a commandment or a custom.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 16 (Impurity)
Level: Advanced/Expert
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at concerns the laws of ritual purity. It defines the various impurities, how they spread, and how we may be cleansed from them.
Level: Advanced/Expert
Description: This section of Mikdash Me'at concerns the laws of ritual purity. It defines the various impurities, how they spread, and how we may be cleansed from them.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 17 (Incest)
Level: Advanced/Expert
Description: The historical Karaite view of the laws of incest (or forbidden relationships) varies dramatically from our Rabbinic brethren. This section describes the two histrorical Karaite views and discusses potential alternative approaches.
Level: Advanced/Expert
Description: The historical Karaite view of the laws of incest (or forbidden relationships) varies dramatically from our Rabbinic brethren. This section describes the two histrorical Karaite views and discusses potential alternative approaches.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 18 (Marriage)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws of engagement and marriage, including the prohibition against taking a rival wife. It also contains a fascinating discussion of the word "mamzer," including references to various Karaite commentaries on the term. (Note: because of the nature of the topic, some sections may not be appropriate for young children.)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws of engagement and marriage, including the prohibition against taking a rival wife. It also contains a fascinating discussion of the word "mamzer," including references to various Karaite commentaries on the term. (Note: because of the nature of the topic, some sections may not be appropriate for young children.)
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 19 (Circumcision & Conversion)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws of circumcision, including some interesting differences between Karaite and Rabbanite halakha. It also addresses requirements for conversion.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws of circumcision, including some interesting differences between Karaite and Rabbanite halakha. It also addresses requirements for conversion.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 20 (Mourning & Inheritance)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws and customs related to mourning. It also focuses on the laws of inheritance. Some Karaites interpreted the laws of inheritance in vastly different ways from their Rabbanite contemporaries.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at discusses the laws and customs related to mourning. It also focuses on the laws of inheritance. Some Karaites interpreted the laws of inheritance in vastly different ways from their Rabbanite contemporaries.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 21 (Shemita and Yovel)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at was written by Rav Bashyatchi's student, Rav Calev Afendopolo, after Bashyatchi's passing. This section covers the purpose of the Shemita and Yovel, the relevant laws for each, and the timing of these events.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 22 (Forbidden Mixtures)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at was written by Rav Bashyatchi's student, Rav Calev Afendopolo, after Bashyatchi's passing. This section concerns the laws of forbidden mixtures, known in Hebrew as Kilayim. It also touches on modern application of the these rules, particularly as they pertain to genetically modified foods.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at was written by Rav Bashyatchi's student, Rav Calev Afendopolo, after Bashyatchi's passing. This section concerns the laws of forbidden mixtures, known in Hebrew as Kilayim. It also touches on modern application of the these rules, particularly as they pertain to genetically modified foods.
Title: Mikdash Me'at Section 23 (Oaths)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at was written by Rav Bashyatchi's student, Rav Calev Afendopolo, after Bashyatchi's passing. This section concerns what it means to make a vow, when an oath is binding and whether the laws concerning oaths make Purim is a binding holiday.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description: This Section of Mikdash Me'at was written by Rav Bashyatchi's student, Rav Calev Afendopolo, after Bashyatchi's passing. This section concerns what it means to make a vow, when an oath is binding and whether the laws concerning oaths make Purim is a binding holiday.
