About This Edition
Bringing Seder HaDoros to English readers
The Original Seder HaDoros
Rabbi Yechiel Halperin
רבי יחיאל היילפרין
c. 1660 – 1746 • Minsk
A distinguished rabbi and scholar who devoted much of his life to the monumental task of compiling a comprehensive chronicle of Jewish history. His work drew on hundreds of sources and reconciled many chronological difficulties.
Seder HaDoros (סדר הדורות, "Order of the Generations") is one of the most comprehensive and meticulously researched chronicles of Jewish history ever compiled. First published in Karlsruhe in 1769, some twenty years after the author's passing, this monumental work has served as an indispensable reference for scholars and laypeople alike for over 250 years.
The work is divided into three main sections:
- Seder Olam – A chronological history from Creation through the Talmudic era, establishing precise dates for major events
- Seder Tannaim V'Amoraim – Biographical entries for the Sages of the Mishnah and Talmud, including their teachers, students, and key teachings
- Yemos Olam – An alphabetical index of all scholars mentioned in the Talmud, facilitating easy reference
Rabbi Halperin consulted hundreds of primary sources—Tanach, Talmud, Midrashim, and the works of Rishonim and Acharonim—to construct his timeline. Where sources conflicted, he carefully analyzed the evidence and offered reasoned conclusions, always noting alternative opinions.
About This English Edition
This English edition aims to make the treasures of Seder HaDoros accessible to a new generation of readers. Our guiding principles:
Faithful Translation
We strive to convey the meaning and spirit of the original while rendering it in clear, accessible English. Technical terms are explained, and context is provided where helpful.
Beautiful Typography
Designed with careful attention to readability, featuring elegant serif typography, proper spacing, and a layout inspired by the finest printed encyclopedias.
Print & Digital
Optimized for both screen reading and high-quality printing. Create your own bound edition using your browser's print function for Shabbos and Yom Tov reading.
Rich Illustrations
Enhanced with carefully selected images of historical sites, artifacts, and artistic representations to bring the narrative to life.
For Shabbos & Yom Tov
This edition has been designed with the Orthodox Jewish reader in mind. The content is appropriate for Shabbos and Yom Tov reading, offering:
- Engaging narratives that bring our heritage to life
- Biographical information about the great figures of our tradition
- Chronological clarity that helps connect events across time
- A deeper appreciation for the unbroken chain of Torah transmission
Printing for Shabbos
To create a printed copy for Shabbos reading, simply use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P). The edition is designed to produce beautiful, book-quality output on standard A4 or Letter paper.
Sources & Methodology
This translation is based on the standard printed edition of Seder HaDoros, cross-referenced with later scholarly editions that include corrections and annotations. Where the original cites sources, we have endeavored to verify them and provide accurate references.
Key sources frequently referenced in Seder HaDoros include:
Begin Your Journey
Explore the rich tapestry of Jewish history, from the dawn of Creation to the flourishing of the Talmudic academies.
Start Reading from Year 1