Abraham I. Shinedling. Drawing on his wide knowledge in many
fields, and his matchless penchant for accuracy, he has prepared the
manuscript for publication, proof-read the text, and furnished the
Index. I am happy that my son David has assisted him in these ar-
duous tasks.

My thanks are extended to Mr. Edward H. Bloch, Mr. Charles E.
Bloch, and Mr. Solomon Kerstein, of the Bloch Publishing Com-
pany, whose enthusiasm for the book is reflected in its attractive
format.

My wife's understanding and her boundless devotion have been
a pillar of strength and a beacon of light to me throughout the years.
Her own intellectual integrity and her spiritual sensitivity have
impelled me always to rigorous thought and the quest for honest
conviction, qualities which I hope will be evident in these pages.

Long as these credits may seem, they do not begin to exhaust the
debt of gratitude which I owe to a vast and anonymous company.
To them the ancient sage referred, "Much have I learnt from my
teachers, more from my colleagues, and most of all from my pupils."
Freely have I received and freely would I give.

ROBERT GORDIS

Belle Harbor, L. I.
May, 1960

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