Hilchot Rav Alfas on Tractate Berachot, Halachot Ketanot and Seder Mo'ed, with all the commentaries. Sabbionetta, [1554]. Printed by Tuvia Foa. First edition of Shiltei Giborim.
Ownership inscriptions on title page. Several marginalia in Oriental handwriting.
This edition of Rav Alfas was published during the decree issued in Italy to burn the Holy Books. This decree was carried out commencing with the burning of the Talmud in Rome on Rosh Hashana, 1553. For the duration of this decree, study and printing of the Talmud was prohibited, however the books of the Rif were permitted. Therefore, Italian scholars at that time mostly studied from the books of the Rif which were used as a foundation on which the words of the Talmudic sages were reconstructed according to the books written by the Rishonim and other sources. Thus, this edition became especially vital and valuable. (For more information on the decree of Holy Books in Italy, see: Introduction to Chiddushei Rabbi Moshe Kazis, Mechon Yerushalayim, 1988; A. Ya’ari, Burning of the Talmud in Italy; M. Benayahu, the Hebrew Printing in Cremona; etc.).
The famous composition Shiltei HaGiborim, written at that time by R. Yehoshua Bo'az, a leading Italian posek, was printed for the first time in this edition.
98, 97-170, [2], 171-187, 189-225, 225-229, [1], 227-267, 265-410 leaves. 37.5 cm. Condition varies, most leaves are in good condition, several leaves in fair condition. Restored coarse tears to title page, affecting text. Restored tears affecting text to some leaves. Stains and wear, dampness traces and worming to some leaves. New leather binding.