7970 —על ספר היוסיפון, ספר הישר, והערכת טקסטים היסטוריים

B"H, 8th of Tammuz, 5713.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In your question regarding Sefer HaYashar—see what is written about this in Sefer Shem HaGedolim by the Chida in its entry.

And regarding Sefer HaYosifon—it is known that many changes (and even forgeries) have been introduced into it, and its matters require the critique of an expert in the field.

In general, for questions such as these, the instruction of our Sages is well known: "Heicha d'ayil yarka leyaul bishra v'kuvari" (Shabbat 140b) (Where vegetables are permitted to enter, let meat and fish enter)—especially when there is doubt whether it is even a vegetable. It was published in Kovetz Yagdil Torah Jerusalem issue 16 p.10. See also Likkutei Sichos vol. 15 p.368 note 17.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that historical texts like Sefer HaYosifon require expert scrutiny due to possible alterations or forgeries. He advises caution based on Chazal's guidance and directs to scholarly sources for further clarification.