Isaac Baer Levinsohn - Levinsohn As A Philologist

Levinsohn As A Philologist

In addition to these, Levinsohn wrote on Hebrew etymology and comparative philology. In this field he published "Bet ha-Oẓar," the first and second parts of which appeared in Wilna in 1841; the first part is entitled "Shorashe Lebanon," and includes studies of Hebrew roots; the second part comprises articles on various subjects, and "Abne Millu'im," a supplement to "Bet Yehudah." After Levinsohn's death Nathansohn published "Toledot Shem" (Warsaw, 1877) and "Ohole Shem" (Warsaw, 1893), both containing philological studies arranged in alphabetical order, and also corrections of Ben Zeb's "Oẓar ha-Shorashim," which was republished by Letteris. Levinsohn left a number of works in manuscript, including "Pittuḥe Ḥotam," on the period of the Canticles; "Yizre El," miscellaneous essays; "Be'er Yiẓḥaḳ," correspondence with contemporary scholars; "Eshkol ha-Sofer," letters, poetry, and humorous papers.

Levinsohn labored assiduously for the well-being of his coreligionists in Russia. He worked out and submitted to the government various projects for the amelioration of the condition of the Jews, such as the plan he submitted to the crown prince Konstantin in 1823, his memorandum to the minister of education in 1831, his project in regard to the censorship of Jewish books in 1833, and his plan for the establishment of Jewish colonies in 1837. Nicholas I. gave the last careful consideration. It is known, also, that the emperor wrote Levinsohn a personal letter in regard to this plan, but its contents are not known. The establishment of Jewish agricultural colonies in Bessarabia in 1838-39 and later and the organization of Jewish educational institutions undoubtedly owed much to Levinsohn's suggestions. The government appreciated his services, and, besides monetary rewards, offered him important positions, which he declined. The failure of his health compelled him to decline also appointment as member of the Jewish commission that sat in St. Petersburg in 1843, and in 1853 he again refused an appointment as member of the special commission on Jewish affairs. The following words were inscribed, at his own request, on his tombstone: "Out of nothing God called me to life. Alas, earthly life has passed, and I shall sleep again on the bosom of Mother Nature, as this stone testifies. I have fought the enemies of God not with the sharp sword, but with the Word. That I have fought for truth and justice before the Nations, 'Zerubbabel' and 'Efes Damim' bear witness." Levinsohn has been called "the Mendelssohn of Russia."