Historic Discovery in Russia: The Lost Commentary of Rabbeinu Rashbam Uncovered in the Moscow Library Archives

For many years, the walls of the Russian State Library in Moscow held hidden secrets, silent witnesses to dark times when Jewish spiritual treasures were looted and concealed far from public view. Today, however, as Russian Jewry as a whole experiences an unprecedented renaissance and a spiritual rebuilding from the ground up, with the voice of Torah echoing in yeshiva study halls and synagogues across the country, the magnificent treasures of the past are also slowly being brought to light. The sensational discovery unveiled recently in the heart of the Russian capital proves once again that the Eternal One of Israel does not lie, and that the word of Hashem will endure forever—even if it was locked away for many long years in the dark cellars of Soviet archives.

This historic discovery was made by researcher Yisrael Dubitsky during his intensive work on the “Gintsburg Collection” housed in the State Library. The find is an ancient and rare manuscript containing a commentary on the Torah written by one of the greatest Rishonim, Rabbeinu Shmuel ben Meir—better known as the Rashbam. The grandson of the holy Rashi, he lived in France during the peak of the Rishonim era and was renowned for his lucid commentaries that place a special emphasis on the plain meaning (peshat) of the text, relying exceptionally on the rules of Hebrew grammar and syntax. At times, as Torah scholars are well aware, his interpretations even dispute the teachings of his illustrious grandfather.

The wondrous manuscript now discovered, known to the research community as “Manuscript No. 103” from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Breslau, served at the time as the primary basis for preparing the first printed edition of the Rashbam’s commentary in 1881. Astonishingly, however, all traces of it were lost after its publication, and for many decades it was considered irreversibly lost. It now turns out that at the end of World War II, this precious document made its way into the territory of the Soviet Union, where it was swallowed up by the archives. Researchers note that for decades, the document was mistakenly classified as a commentary by Rashi, both because it was missing its title page and because the text began right in the middle of the Book of Genesis.

This joyous news made waves among the Chabad rabbis and Shluchim across the country, who work tirelessly under the constant guidance and supervision of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, Shlita. The discovery of the manuscript is considered an unprecedented historical event of paramount importance for the study of the history of medieval biblical exegesis.

Upon hearing the wonderful news, Rabbi Lazar noted, “Specifically in an orphaned generation like ours, we suddenly see such lights materialize, a light that adds to our understanding of the Torah and gives us the strength to live with the Torah, a Torah of life and a Torah of light that illuminate our lives. Israel is not left orphaned; from Above, we are given a special light to encourage us and give us the strength to continue working and spreading Torah everywhere and to every Jew.”

Chairman of the Jewish Museum in Moscow and Head of the “L’Chaim” Publishing House, Rabbi Boruch Gorin, addressed the discovery, noting with satisfaction that this is a dramatic revelation for the entire Jewish people: “We are watching with anticipation and curiosity to examine the findings up close. Every letter from the words of our great Rishonim that comes to light is a cause for excitement, and we await full details from the researcher to grasp the magnitude of the treasure that has fallen to our lot.”

As this thrilling news spreads its wings across the entire Torah world, the holy communities in Russia offer a prayer: Just as they merited to see the revelation of this hidden commentary, may they continue to see the expansion of the boundaries of holiness, the strengthening of community life, and the flourishing of educational institutions. The current discovery is a clear symbol that the Torah will not be forgotten from Israel, and that the eternity of the holy letters continues to illuminate the path for the masses of Russian Jewry toward a bright future filled with days of light and joy.

Photo: National Library of Moscow