Torat HaOlah, philosophical-kabbalistic explanations of the Temple and sacrifices, by R. Moshe Isserles – the Rama. Prague: Mordechai (son of Gershom) Katz, 1570. First edition, printed in the author's lifetime.
Torat HaOlah is a philosophical-kabbalistic work discussing the Temple and sacrifices. The book is divided into three parts: Part I (titled "Har" – mountain) pertains to the structure of the Temple and its utensils; Part II ("Sadeh" – field) explains the meaning of the sacrifices and the laws of the kohanim in general; and Part III ("Bayit" – house) discusses each sacrifice in detail.
In his preface, the Rama explains that the purposes of his work are to achieve true appreciation of the great benefit gained from the Temple and what we lost with its destruction, and for it to be constantly available to perform sacrifices in thought. The title of the work was chosen by the Rama, who explains that since the Olah offering was brought to atone for improper thoughts, he desires his work to serve as an atonement for his sins, and to help purify his ideas and thoughts, in order that his love and worship of G-d should be more complete (introduction, ibid.).
The book provides a philosophical interpretation of the Temple laws, combined with corresponding kabbalistic concepts, as he writes in his book: "Kabbalah is philosophy, but they speak in different terminologies" (Torat HaOlah 3:4). In one of his responsa, he speaks similarly of the relation between philosophy and kabbalah: "Both are the word of G-d… and are equally good…" (Responsa of the Rama, section 7). In another letter, the Rama writes to a student: "I beg you to buy a copy of Torat HaOlah which I have in Poznań, where you will see amazing things in all facets of the Torah" (Responsa of the Rama, section 121).
The philosophy in this work is greatly influenced by the teachings of the Rambam, who is mentioned in almost every chapter. The structure of the book is also reminiscent of the Rambam's Moreh Nevuchim. He tends toward intellectual investigation in the spirit of the Rambam: "It is better to examine things and to know them by induction and intellectual investigation, and this is human perfection" (3:7); "The wisdom of sages in every generation stands in for ruach hakodesh" (ibid.).
Fine illustrated title frame.
The preface is preceded by a poem in praise of the author, authored by "Monnes". On the final leaf, two poems in praise of the author and the book, by "Shmuel son of Reuven, known as Shmuel Setzer of Frankfurt am Main".
Concluding words by the Rama on leaf 172, with a commentary on Baruch SheAmar.
Ownership inscriptions on title page: "To the Lord belongs the earth and all that is in it, and He gave a gift to His servant, Itzik Grishaber" –
R. Yitzchak Itzik Grishaber-Freund (1741-1822), a disciple of the Noda BiYehudah, and served as rabbi of Paks (Hungary) from 1782. He corresponded on halachic matters with the Chatam Sofer, who highly praised him in his writings. In 1797, he strongly opposed the Reform rabbi Aharon Chorin who permitted eating the non-kosher sturgeon fish. His correspondence on the subject with his contemporary rabbis was printed in his book Makal Noam (Vienna, 1799).
Additional signature on title page: "Moshe Wolf". Signature on second leaf: "Menachem of ---". Stamps on p. 87a and several other leaves: "Avraham son of R. Tzvi". Gloss in early Ashkenazic script on p. 20b.
[6], 173 leaves. 28.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dark dampstains to title page and first leaves. Tears, including marginal open tears to title page and elsewhere, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper (first leaves repaired with large paper strips). Worming. Stamps. New binding.
CB, no. 6483,22; Zedner, p. 576; Roest, p. 849.
