Auction 98 Early Printed Books, Chassidut and Kabbalah, Books Printed in Jerusalem, Letters and Manuscripts, Jewish Ceremonial Art
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Yad Yosef, homilies following the order of the Torah and various occasions, by R. Yosef Tzarfati. Amsterdam: Immanuel son of Yosef Attias, 1700. Second edition. Two title pages, first illustrated with fine engraving.
Distinguished copy of Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl and his son R. Yeshayah Meshulam Zusha of Chernobyl. On second title page, ownership inscription "R. Zusha son of the Rabbi" and on margins of first title page is a similar inscription: "R. Zusha". On first title page, signatures and inscriptions: "Yeshayah Meshulam Zusha"; "Meshulam Zusha" and other inscriptions (the signatures do not appear to be in the handwriting of R. Yeshayah Meshulam Zusha, but rather inscriptions handwritten by disciples and relatives).
The inscriptions "R. Zusha son of the Rabbi" or "R. Zusha" are said to attest that this book was inherited from the books of Rebbe Aharon of Chernobyl and his son Rebbe Zusha of Chernobyl; at Rebbe Aharon's passing in 1872 the books were divided between his descendants, and each book was labeled with the name of the recipient.
Rebbe Aharon Twersky of Chernobyl (1787-1872), most senior rebbe of his generation, son of Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl and disciple of his grandfather the Maggid R. Nachum of Chernobyl.
His son, R. Yeshayah Meshulam Zusha Twersky (1814-1881), succeeded his father as Rebbe in Chernobyl (along with his brother R. Baruch Asher). Progenitor of distinguished Chassidic dynasties, including Rebbe Shlomo Bentzion Twersky of Chernobyl and his son-in-law Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach of Belz.
Ownership inscription on second title page (partially deleted), dated 1726.
The author, R. Yosef Tzarfati (d. ca. 1640), served as Rabbi in Adrianople and later immigrated to Jerusalem. This book was heavily quoted in homiletical and Chassidic literature.
[3], 3-288, [12] leaves. 30.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Light wear. Worming, tears and open tears to first title page and a few other places, affecting illustrated title frame. Early stamps. New leather binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Rav Yeibi, ethical and Chassidic discourses and aggadic novellae on the Torah portions, the Book of Tehillim and Talmudic aggadot, by R. Yaakov Yosef – preacher and posek in Ostroh, disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. Ostroh: printer not indicated, [1808]. Second edition, with glosses and corrections. Some words on title page printed in red ink. On leaf 1, after the introduction – Mora Mikdash, on the sanctity of the synagogue.
The title of the book forms the initials of the author's name: R. Yaakov Yosef ben Yehudah (1738-1791), a third-generation Chassidic leader and close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch. This book cites many teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples.
On front endpaper, ownership inscription of Rebbe "Shmuel Gottesman son of the holy rabbi of Lashkovitz" and a date (of purchasing or binding the book) in Iyar 1953.
Rebbe Shmuel Gottesman of Lashkovitz-Yaritchov (1902-1970), a descendant of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and the Baal Shem Tov. Served as rebbe in Yaritchov. In 1940 he managed to escape from Europe to the United States along with two items with ties to his ancestor the Baal Shem Tov – a Torah scroll written by R. Tzvi Hirsch Sofer (the scribe and disciple of the Baal Shem Tov), and a set of tefillin (recently sold by Kedem in auction 97, lot 73).
On leaves of book, stamps of former owners: Rebbe Shalom Michelovitz (a descendant of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov), his Beit Midrash in Bucharest, and other stamps.
Rebbe Shalom Michelovitz (1900-1985), served as rebbe in Bucharest until the Holocaust, after which he lived and established a Beit Midrash in Eretz Israel and later in the United States.
[1], 129 leaves. Approx. 34 cm. Partially bluish paper. Fair condition, first leaves and several other leaves in fair-poor condition. Stains. Dampstains with traces of mold to last leaves. Worming in many places, on title page and other leaves, affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Open tears, affecting text on several leaves. Stamps. Fine binding, non-original.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Kise Rachamim, commentary on Tractate Kalah, Sofrim and Avot, by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida. Livorno: Eliezer Saadon, [1803]. First edition.
Copy of Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber Friedman of Sadigura; at the top of the title page are two of his stamps, one with his name "Nachum Dov Ber Friedman" and a lion icon (somewhat blurred), and a second stamp "Kinyan Kaspi".
Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber (Bernyu) Friedman of Sadigura (d. 1883), grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, son of Rebbe Shalom Yosef and son-in-law of Rebbe Avraham Yaakov of Sadigura. R. Nachum Dov Ber was a prominent collector of early manuscripts and books, and possessed a large library. R. Nachum Dov used several types of stamps in his library. Books he inherited from his father were stamped "Nachalat Avotai", books he purchased were stamped "Kinyan Kaspi", and books received as a gift were stamped "Minchat Shai".
Copy of R. Shmuel Heller, Rabbi of Safed. On title page, ownership inscription in his handwriting (deleted with pencil): "Shmuel son of R. Yisrael Heller, shochet here in Safed". His stamp appears on the title page (scraped off) and on the last leaf with his signature. On p. 2a, kvittel inscription in his handwriting (deleted with pencil).
R. Shmuel Heller (1786-1884), leading Torah scholar and physician who was also an expert in secular studies, raised in the home of the Chozeh of Lublin, at whose advice he immigrated to Eretz Israel with his family. He served as Rabbi of Safed for sixty years.
The present signatures and inscriptions are from an early period of R. Shmuel Heller's life, and offer novel biographical information, including the name of his first wife, "Golda Devorah daughter of Eidel", which was heretofore unknown (according to Rivka Ambon, "R. Shmuel Heller (1803-1884) and His Role in the Jewish Community in Safed", PhD dissertation, Tel Aviv University, 2016, p. 65).
The present signature dates to early in R. Shmuel's life, during his tenure as shochet in Safed, a position he held before his appointment as rabbi and dayan in Safed. He broke his arm in the Safed earthquake, preventing him from continuing to serve as shochet. He was instead appointed as supervisor over shochatim.
At the top of the title page is another signature, deleted, and a calligraphic Sephardic signature (undeciphered).
120 leaves. 29 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Light wear. Marginal tears to title page and several other leaves, repaired with paper. Light worming. Ink coloring across title frame, and to decoration in center of title page. Elaborate early leather binding (from the library of R. Nachum Dov Ber), rubbed and worn.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Netiv Mitzvotecha, introductions and explanations on faith, worship of G-d and yichudim, with Otzar HaChaim Part I, Bereshit – on the 613 commandments according to the Pardes approaches (with divisional title page), by Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehudah Yechiel Safrin of Komarno. Lviv: Michael F. Poremba, 1858. First edition. Two books in one volume.
Copy of disciples of the Chatam Sofer, R. Yaakov Baruch Frankel of Kalov (Nagykálló) and his son R. Yaakov Englender of Kalov. On first title page, lengthy ownership inscription of R. Yaakov Englender, disciple of the Chatam Sofer: "This holy book… was left to me from my father and master… R. Reuven Yaakov Baruch author of Melitz Yosher. I, his son and disciple, Yaakov Englender, here in Kalló, [1877]".
R. Reuven Yaakov Baruch Frankel MiBach (1792-1864), author of Melitz Yosher, studied in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer in 1813-1814, and corresponded with him and other leading Torah scholars on halachic matters. From 1821, he resided in Kalov (Nagykálló), and gained prominence both in Torah and in material affairs. Most of his works are in manuscript and have never been published. The inscription "I place the Lord before me always" (in initials at the top of the title page) is apparently in the handwriting of the father, who wrote it habitually (see Kedem, auction 67, lot 371).
His son, R. Yaakov Frankel-Englender (1813-1884) was born in Pressburg during his father's studies in the yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer. He studied under his uncle R. Yitzchak Frankel MiBach, Rabbi of Carei, and R. Shmelke Klein, Rabbi of Selish (Vynohradiv), and under the Chatam Sofer in the Pressburg yeshiva.
Divisional title page for Otzar HaChaim section. Only the first part of Otzar HaChaim is printed here – a summary of the 613 commandments, and the commentary on the commandments for Torah portions Bereshit-Vayishlach. The work was later incorporated into the Heichal HaBerachah Chumash edition, printed by the author in 1864-1874.
Lengthy and interesting preface by the author, at the end of which he promises anyone who assists in publishing the book or helps his Chassidim: "As for those who support us, who desire to be joined in love of our soul, and especially our fellow Chassidim in Hungary and Munkacs, may G-d protect them from all Illness and affliction, and may their prestige and fortune excel with blessing, wealth, honor, happiness, good fortune, children, life and livelihood".
In his book Zohar Chai (Pinchas, leaf 201), the author guarantees that anyone who studies the present work rigorously will rest in the World to Come without needing to return as a Gilgul.
Rebbe Yitzchak Eizik Yehudah Yechiel Safrin (1806-1874), Rabbi of Zidichov and Komarno, kabbalist and leading transmitter of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. He was a nephew and close disciple of the Sar Beit HaZohar, Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov. He authored many books on Chassidut and kabbalah, including the Heichal HaBerachah commentary on the Torah, a foundational work of Chassidut and kabbalah prized by rebbes of all dynasties.
[1], 2-32, [1], 34-40, [1] leaves; [2], 3-5, [1], 7-26, [1] leaves. 25.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including large dampstains. Much wear. Last leaf repaired with paper. Loose leaves. Worming in a few places. Original binding (coated in colorful paper), torn and incomplete, with some remains of leather spine.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Cheshev HaEfod, kabbalistic insinuations and Chassidic homilies on the Torah, and the author's testament, by R. Pinchas Aryeh, rabbi of Turka (disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin and mechutan of R. Zvi Elimelech of Dinov), son of R. Zvi Hirsch of Sokolov. Lemberg (Lvov): 1862. First edition. Contains approbations of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, R. Avraham of Stratyn (Stretin) and R. Menachem Ash, rabbi of Ungvár (Uzhgorod).
The signature of R. "Mordechai Dov Ber son of the Rabbi Ran" appears in the title page margins. Apparently, this is the signature of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Twersky of Tomashpil, grandson of the "Mitteler Rebbe" of Lubavitch and son of the daughter of R. Yaakov Yisrael Twerski of Cherkas.
[4], 48 leaves. 24.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear and tears. Open tear affecting text in the center of the title page (repaired with paper). Minor worming. Stamps. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Reshit Chochmah, a foundational work of fear of G-d and ethics, by R. Eliyahu de Vidas of Safed (a disciple of R. Moshe Cordovero). Warsaw: Yitzchak Goldman, 1875.
On title page, self-dedication handwritten and signed by R. Menachem Mendel Deutsch (author of Mevi Tzemach), a student in the yeshiva of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Deyzh, who had received the book from the son of his teacher Rebbe Moshe Panet as a wedding gift in 1883.
On front and back endpapers and board, inscriptions by various writers and a stamp: "Menachem Mendel Deutsch – son of R. Yehonatan Binyamin Alter".
The giver of the gift: Rebbe Moshe Panet of Deyzh (1843-1903), the second rebbe of the Deyzh dynasty, son of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Panet, the Maaglei Tzedek of Deyzh. He was appointed at a young age as rabbi of the village of Urișor (near Deyzh [Dej]) and after his marriage he served as Rabbi of Nimigea. In 1885, he succeeded his father as Rabbi, yeshiva dean and Rebbe of Deyzh and served as head of the Transylvanian Kollel Ahavat Zion in Eretz Israel.
The recipient of the gift whose signature appears in the book: R. Menachem Mendel Deutsch of Deyzh (ca. 1860s-1942), disciple of the Yitav Lev and close disciple of the Maaglei Tzedek of Deyzh, author of Mevi Tzedek.
[1], 2-232 leaves. 23 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, wear and tears. Original binding, with old, worn spine.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Tiferet Mordechai, Part I, with Parashat Mordechai and Maamar Mordechai – biography, practices and teachings of Rebbe Mordechai Leifer of Nadvorna, by R. Mordechai Ginzburg. Beregszász (Berehove): Shmuel Klein, 1927. First edition. Further parts were not printed. Printed wrapper.
On page facing second title page, lengthy dedication handwritten, signed and stamped by Rebbe Aharon Moshe Leifer, a descendant of Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna, to the bar mitzvah boy Yaakov Yehudah Stern, during his stay in Budapest during World War II, Adar 1943.
Rebbe Aharon Moshe Leifer (1906-1991), son of Rebbe Shmuel Shmelke Leifer of Khust (grandson of Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna and eighth-generation descendant of R. Meir of Premishlan), miraculously survived the Holocaust and immigrated to the United States, where he established his Beit Midrash and became known as one of the most distinguished rebbes.
[4], 3-80, [2] leaves. 22 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear, tears and paper repairs. Wrapper mounted on other paper. Old binding, worn and loose.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Talelei Orot, selected homilies on the Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim, and aggadot, by various rabbis, edited by R. Moshe Uri Keller of Sanz (author of Yalkut HaUrim). Lublin: typeset by Ozer Zweckin, printed by M. Sznajdermesser, 1936.
Leaf [2] contains a facsimile of a letter of approbation by Rebbe Bentzion Halberstam of Bobov (the Kedushat Tzion), addressed to the author, with the suggestion to name the book Talelei Orot.
The present copy belonged to Rebbe Moshe (Moshele) Lipschitz of Wielopole and his son R. Chaim Uri Lipschitz, with their stamps.
Mounted on endpaper, letter handwritten and signed by author R. Moshe Uri Keller of Sanz, addressed to Rebbe Moshele, dating to Cheshvan 1937.
Rebbe Moshe Lipschitz of Wielopole-Jerusalem-Philadelphia (1898-1975), son of R. David Aryeh Brisel. He immigrated with his parents to Jerusalem in 1900; later emigrating in 1913 to the court of his illustrious grandfather Rebbe Nata Dov Lipschitz of Wielopole. He fled to the United States in World War I, where he served as Wielopole rebbe in Philadelphia. In 1958 he immigrated once more to Eretz Israel, where he donated his large library to yeshivas and study halls in Jerusalem.
[4], 80 leaves. 23 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Handwritten inscription on title page. New binding.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Large assorted collection of over forty books on various topics: Chassidut, ethics and homiletics, responsa and halachah, Talmudic and Torah novellae – distinguished copies belonging to Polish rabbis, with stamps, signatures and ownership inscriptions of rabbis, rebbes and Torah scholars of Poland and elsewhere. Some books are rare first editions.
The collection includes:
• Darchei Tzedek, Chassidic practices by R. Zechariah Mendel of Yaroslav, disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk. Warsaw, 1844.
• Chinuch Beit Yehudah, kabbalistic and Chassidic homilies, by Rebbe Yaakov Tzvi Yalish of Dinov, author of Melo HaRo'im. Warsaw, 1869. First edition.
• Chidushei HaRim on Choshen Mishpat. Part I. Warsaw, 1870. First edition.
• Emet LeYaakov, Chassidic homilies on the Torah by Rebbe Yaakov Yitzchak Shapiro of Błędów and Mogielnica. Warsaw, 1888. First edition.
• Zechuta DeAvraham, homilies and novellae by Rebbe Avraham of Ciechanów. Warsaw, 1895. Stamps of R. "Moshe Nachum Yerushalimsky, Rabbi of Kielc and the region" [R. Moshe Nachum Yerushalimsky, Rabbi of Kielc (1855-1916), a leading author of responsa in his generation].
• Pri Tzadik, on the Torah and festivals, by R. Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin. Part I, on Bereshit, with Kedushat HaShabbat and Shevitat Shabbat. Lublin, 1901. First edition. Stamps of R. "Yisrael David Leineman, posek of Suchedniów".
• Keter Torah, novellae on the Talmud, Rashi, Tosafot and the Rambam, by R. Meir son of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Warsaw, 1906. Ownership stamp of R. Chaim Yehudah HaLevi Silbermintz, Rabbi of Kuzmir [1835-1916, author of Chayil VeChosen, leading disciple of R. Mordechai Yosef of Izbica].
• Tiferet Yisrael, sayings of Rebbe Yisrael of Chortkov, by R. Yisrael Rappaport. Husiatyn, 1904. First edition. Stamp of author on title page: R. "Yisrael Rappaport – rabbi and posek of the Rebbe – Chortkov".
• Mayim Rabim, by R. Natan Nata HaKohen Dunner, Rabbi of Kolbiel. Warsaw, [after 1905]. Stamp of R. "Aharon son of R. Ch. Rabin – rabbi of Lanivtsi, Volhynia" [Rebbe Aharon Rubin, Rabbi of Lanivtsi (1870-1942), son of R. Moshe of Chudniv, a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov; perished in the Holocaust].
• Torat HaYehudi, Torah novellae by R. Yaakov Yitzchak, the Yid HaKadosh of Peshischa. Bilgoraj, 1911. First edition. At top of title page, large stamp of the publisher and commentator, R. "Yaakov Orner – Rabbi of Nasielsk and the region".
• Beit Yisrael, collected teachings of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin and his sons. Piotrków, 1912. First edition. On endpaper, ownership inscription and stamp of R. Noach Varshaver of Botoșani, "son of… R. Chaim Moshe Ze'ev" [a rebbe of Warsaw, grandson of the Kav Chen of Karov].
For a more detailed listing, see the Hebrew description.
41 books. Size and condition vary. Signatures, stamps and some glosses. New bindings.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Collection of five books of halachah, homiletics and Talmudic novellae, containing the Torah teachings of rabbis of Poland and other lands. First editions. Distinguished copies, from the private library of R. Meir Shapiro, Rabbi of Lublin, founder of Daf Yomi and the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva.
The present copies contain R. Meir Shapiro's stamps from his tenure as Rabbi of Piotrków; library catalogue inscriptions [in his handwriting?]; stamps of the library of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva; and various handwritten inscriptions. The books also contain stamps and a printed sticker of the Ministry of Religion for books that survived the Holocaust in Poland, and stamps of Israeli libraries.
• She'erit Natan by R. Natan, Rabbi of Dobromyl, son of the Pnei Yehoshua. Warsaw, 1897. First edition.
• Tzava Rav by R. Tzvi Hirsch, Rabbi of Berlin (grandson of the Chacham Tzvi). Piotrków, 1907. First edition. Wide margins.
• Shai LaMora, by R. Moshe Yoel [Hagerman], Rabbi of Czyżew and Żarnowiec, disciple of the Chidushei HaRim of Ger. Piotrków, 1911. First edition.
• Yavin Daat, by R. Yisrael Yehoshua Trunk, Rabbi of Kutno, with Chasdei Avot by his grandson, the publisher R. Yitzchak Yehudah of Kutno. Piotrków, 1932. On title page, handwritten dedication to R. Meir Shapiro by the "publisher and author" dated Chanukah 1932. On leaf 17, handwritten gloss [of R. Meir Shapiro?].
• Siach Pikudecha, on Bereshit, by R. Yeshayahu Chaskelberg of Warsaw and Różan. Bilgoraj, 1930. First edition. Approbations and lengthy pre-subscribers list including Polish rabbis and Chassidim.
R. Meir Shapiro (1887-1933), Rabbi of Glina, Sanok, Piotrków and Lublin, dean of the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva and founder of Daf Yomi, one of the founders of Agudat Yisrael and leading rabbi in his times. He was one of the youngest and most dominant rabbis in the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. An excellent orator, and an active communal worker, he was also a member of the Polish Sejm. R. Meir passed away without leaving behind any offspring, yet he himself would say that he has two children – the first being Daf Yomi, and the second the Chachmei Lublin yeshiva.
5 books. Size and condition vary. Overall good to good-fair condition. Stamps. New bindings.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Tractate Avot, with commentaries by Rashi and the Vilna Gaon; Avot DeRabbi Natan, and the minor tractates: Sofrim, Semachot, Kallah, Derech Eretz Rabbah, Derech Eretz Zuta and Perek HaShalom, corrected according to the text of the Vilna Gaon. Shklow: Aryeh son of Menachem, [1804]. First edition.
The book was brought to press by the sons of the Vilna Gaon, R. Yehudah Leib and R. Avraham, and compiled by his disciple, the kabbalist R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow. The book begins with an important foreword by R. Menachem Mendel, in which he relays several extraordinary points that he heard from his teacher, the Vilna Gaon.
Leaves 3-24: Tractate Avot, the Mishnah occupying the center of the pages, with the commentaries of Rashi and the Vilna Gaon on either side. Leaves 25-50: Tractate Avot DeRabbi Natan, based on the text and corrections of the Vilna Gaon. The center of the page is occupied by the text corrected by the Vilna Gaon, with the old, unedited version printed on the side. Leaves 51-82: Minor Tractates in the same format, the corrected text occupying the center of the page, with the old version on the side.
At the top of the title page, on the last leaf and on the titles of leaf 70: Signatures of R. "Yaakov Berlin of Mir", father of the Netziv of Volozhin (inscriptions deleted with ink). Handwritten glosses in several places in the book.
R. Yaakov Berlin (1794-1870), father of the Netziv of Volozhin and father-in-law of the author of Aruch HaShulchan, was a wealthy trader and an outstanding Torah scholar, an influential leader of the Mir community. He moved to Jerusalem in 1852 and became a leader of its Ashkenazi community (his life and piety are chronicled at length in Mekor Baruch by his grandson R. Baruch Epstein).
82 leaves. 21.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains and dark stains. Light wear. Small marginal tears. Worming, affecting text, partially repaired with paper filling and tape. Stamp on title page. New binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 318.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.
Taharat HaKodesh, the Zer Zahav commentary on Tosefta Order Taharot, by the Vilna Gaon. Zhovkva, 1804. First edition.
Copy of R. "Meir Leibush Malbim". Several of his signatures on title page, endpaper and leaf [2]. On margins of title page, his handwritten inscription from 1839 [apparently, the present signatures are from his tenure as Rabbi of Września, Posen region), from 1837-1841].
R. Meir Leibush Malbim (acronym for Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel; 1809-1879), famed Biblical commentator and leading rabbi of his generation, well versed in both revealed and hidden realms of the Torah (his teacher for Kabbalah was R. Tzvi Hirsh of Zidichov). Wherever he served as rabbi or visited (he served as rabbi of Wreschen, Kempen, Bucharest, Kherson, Łęczyca, Mogilev and Königsberg), he was renowned for the uncompromising battle he waged against modernism, Haskalah and Reform, which elicited much harassment.
During his tenure in Bucharest, he fought the Maskilim, who retaliated by contriving a libel. This resulted in him being imprisoned and sentenced to death, and only thanks to the intervention of Sir Moses Montefiore was his punishment commuted to expulsion from Romania. The spread of Haskalah drove him to devote his time and skills to composing a systematic commentary to the Bible, with the goal of clarifying the depth of wisdom which lies in the words of the sages, and proving the veracity of the Oral Torah. Thus came to be his famous commentary to the Bible, which was well received throughout the Jewish world and reprinted in hundreds of editions.
This edition was compiled and printed by R. Meir of Shad (Seda), disciple of the Vilna Gaon. In his foreword, he writes: "… I did not depart from the tent of Torah in the home of the prominent Gaon, R. Eliyahu of Vilna, who quenched my thirst when I studied under him Mishnayot Order Taharot, with all the Tosefta of this Order…". At the beginning of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Yonah (Vilna, 1800), the sons of the Vilna Gaon sharply censured R. Meir of Shad (without mentioning his name), claiming that the transcript of the Vilna Gaon's commentary on Mishnayot Order Taharot, which was in the possession of R. Meir (later printed in Brünn, 1802), was error-ridden (see lot 100). They write that R. Meir violated their exclusive rights to printing their father's teachings. This is another work printed by R. Meir of Shad without the authorization of the Vilna Beit Din and the sons of the Gaon of Vilna.
[2], 39, [1], 41-59, [1], 60-8, 59-60, 71-72 leaves. 23 cm. Bluish and greenish paper on some leaves. Good condition. Stains. Wear. Some tears and creases to margins. Ex libris label. Old binding, damaged and partially torn.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 281.
PLEASE NOTE: Some lot descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to the Hebrew text.