9th of Teves

ט' טבת יום מיתת אסתר המלכה*

The Hagahos Baruch Ta’am (Frankel) (O.Ch.580) writes, he saw a Ksav Yad

that "on the 9^th of Teves, Shimon Hakalfus died. He helped the

Yidden when they had big Tzaros, therefore Chazal established the

day he died as a fast day".

Shimon Hakalfusi also known as Shimon Kaifa and better known

as Peter the Apostale.  (first pope)

There is a Machlokes going back to the Rishonim, If Peter was

one of ours, planted in Rome as a secret agent,

to save the Yidden. Some even claim he authored “Nishmas”

נשמת- ואילו פינו – עד הנה- מי ידמה – שוכן עד

and also the Seder of Avoda said on Yom Kippur. 

The Dikdukei Sofrim quotes a Girsa in Rashi,

that both Paul & Peter led the Christians, only to save

the Yidden from  persecution. They for themselves were

faithful Yidden. 

In the first print of the Sefer Chasidim #191, he calls

Shimon Kaifa a Tzadik.  This Siman was removed hence in many

prints   Siman #191 is missing. After #190 comes #192.

There are newer editions where it was reinstated.

The Machzor Vitri (Talmid of Rashi) strongly opposes

this opinion He calls him אותו נבל שמעון פטר חמור.

He also writes “whoever claims that Nishmas was

authored by Peter will need to bring a  חטאת שמינה (fat Chatos)

when the Bais Hamikdosh will be rebuilt”.

מקור חיים (בכרך) בשם ספר מחיר יין*