Berkowitz, Benzion Judah Ben Eliahu

Russian Hebrew scholar; born July 23, 1803; died at Wilna May 11, 1879. He is the author of the following works devoted to the study of the Targum Onkelos: (1) '"Oteh Or," Wilna, 1843; (2) "Leḥem we-Simlah," 2 vols., ib. 1850-55; (3) "Ḥalifot Semalot," supplement to vol. ii., ib. 1874; (4) "Abne Zion," ib. 1877, addenda to Nathan Adler's commentary on Onkelos.

Berkowitz's contributions to the study of the Onkelos are very valuable, their merit being acknowledged by such scholars as Berliner and other specialists on the Targum. He also contributed to the Hebrew periodicals "Pirḥe Ẓafon," "Ha-Karmel," "Oẓar Ḥokmah," and "Ha-Maggid."

Bibliography:

  * Fuenn, Keneset Yisrael, p. 174;
  * Berliner, Targum Onkelos, p. 197;
  * H. N. Steinschneider, 'Ir Wilna.



L. G. H. R.