Responsa by Rabbi Y. Kolon, Cremona, Cheshvan 1557. Vincenzo Conti printing press. Second edition. Title page illustrated with a woodcut depicting Akedat Yitzchak.
The title page and the following leaf have two signatures in Italian writing: "Ya'akov Chazak". Another signature in Ashkenasi handwriting: "Asher Anshel L.S." [Lichtenstein].
The Mekubal Rabbi Ya'akov Chazak (1689-1782), Rabbi of Padua. A foremost Italian Rabbi, disciple-companion of the Ramchal. [Rabbi Ya'akov Chazak established the Mevakshei Hashem Yeshiva for the study of kabbalah together with Rabbi Moshe David Wali. They were later joined by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lutzatto who was younger (17 years old). Eventually, they appointed their young disciple to head the yeshiva and all sat before him as disciples and regularly studied Torah under his tutelage]. He was strongly involved in the polemic against the Ramchal's writings. The Chida met him in 1770 and brings many amazing things in his name which he learned from Eliyahu HaNavi and the Maggid from Heaven who revealed themselves to the Ramchal and his associates. The Chida also writes of his great holiness when describing his meeting with "the Rabbi, the Chassid Wonder of our Generation Rabbi Ya'akov Chazak". The Chida considered Rabbi Ya'akov Chazak to be one of the greatest Hassidim of the generation who reached tremendous levels in Torah and deeds. Rabbi Meir Trieste of Padua testified that he heard the Chida say that "Rabbi Ya'akov Chazak is as holy as G-d's angels" and he sought his blessings. (Rabbi S. Girondi, Toldot Gedolei Yisrael V'Ge'onei Italia, page 148). See attached material.
[12], 173 [should be: 172] leaves. 28.5 cm. High-quality paper, good-fair condition, restored moth damage to title page and several leaves. half-parchment binding.