Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Kama, Parts I-II, by R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau Rabbi of Prague. Prague, [1776-1777]. First edition.
Separate title page for Part II.
The book was printed in stages. The printing began in Adar 1776 (as alluded to on the title page) and was concluded in Tevet 1777, as stated in the colophon at the end of Part II (p. 140a): "It was completed on… the 28th day… Tevet 1777". Sections 90-93 of Part I (with the well-known responsa against saying Leshem Yichud) are from Sivan 1776 - responsa written by the Noda BiYehuda several months after the printing had begun. Upon the completion of the printing of the book, the author delivered a special sermon in honor of the occasion "on Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat 1777, upon the completion of his book Noda BiYehuda Kama" (Ahavat Zion, Prague 1827, Derush 9, p. 18b).
In the foreword to Noda BiYehuda Mahadura Tinyana (Prague 1811), the author's son, R. Yaakov'ke of Brody, recounts the printing of this book and the conduct of the Noda BiYehuda at that time: "…From the day the printing press was established in Prague until now, they haven't printed such a beautiful and elegant book… He did not spare any money and did not request help or support. When it was concluded, he generously distributed many copies for free, and the rest he gave to booksellers at a set price, equal to all sellers. If a wealthy individual requested to purchase a book directly from him, he would graciously respond: 'I cannot do you this favor; the books can be found in the shops… all who wish can purchase them without favoritism'. Apparently, the money paid for the books did not cover the printing costs which he openhandedly dispensed".
In his book Shem HaGedolim, the Chida writes about the book Noda BiYehuda: "His responsa are based on pilpul and reasoning, astuteness and erudition, and he taught Torah to the Jewish people through his books and disciples… The wise man can discern from his books that the writer is superior among the leading Torah scholars of his times, an outstanding genius…".
The Baal HaTanya said in reference to the holiness and importance of this book and its rulings: "The Rabbi of Prague was peerless in his rulings and G-d was with him, for he… did not deviate from the truth in all his rulings. Even in regard to his long responsum in section 72, although many Torah scholars of his time disagreed with him, in fact the law is as he wrote…" (Mofet HaDor, p. 74).
Ownership inscription on title page: "Belongs to R. Y.L. Sapir Rabbi of Humenné and its region" - R. Yehuda Leib Sapir Rabbi of Humenné (d. 1882), served a rabbi of Humenné from 1828. Authored the book of responsa and novellae Shaar Yehuda (Siget, 1877), which received enthusiastic approbations from the Divrei Chaim of Sanz and the author of Kol Aryeh. He discusses the teachings of the Noda BiYehuda numerous times in this book.
Stamps on several leaves: "Eliezer Davidovich Rabbi of the Vinné region, Stráňany (Michalovce)" - R. Eliezer Davidovich (1878-1942), dayan and posek in the towns of Vinné and Stráňany which are near Michalovce. Disciple of the author of Arugot HaBosem, from whom he received his ordination, as well as from the rebbe of Siget, author of Kedushat Yom Tov, and from R. Avraham Yitzchak Glick. He was murdered in the Holocaust in 1942. Some of his writings were printed in the book Ed Yaaleh (Bnei Brak 1988).
Other ownership inscriptions and signatures on the title page. Two long glosses by an unidentified writer.
[2], 86, [9] leaves; [1], 157 leaves. 32.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains and traces of past dampness. Tears to first two and last two leaves, repaired with paper. Stamps. New leather binding.
Stefansky Classics, no. 309.