Mishneh Torah by the Rambam, complete set in four volumes. Amsterdam, [1702-1703]. The most accurate edition of the books of the Rambam, which served as basis for most subsequent editions. The first volume has an additional, engraved title page. Two volumes contain illustration plates pertaining to the laws of Shabbat, Sukkah, Kiddush HaChodesh and Kilayim. Four volumes.
Signature of R. " Zerach Eidlitz" of Prague on the engraved title page of the first volume, as well as other ownership inscriptions. On the title page of the second volume, ownership inscriptions (slightly trimmed) attesting that the book belongs to R. Zerach Eidlitz: "This book belongs to the outstanding Torah scholar… R. Zerach of Prague, and I hereby affix my signature to this, Yaakov…". Quotation marks were added to the page number of p. 7 (ז) in this volume, presumably by R. Zerach (in allusion to his name, which begins with a "ז", supposedly to prevent theft). This marking is found in all the volumes, and it is therefore assumed that the entire set belonged to him.
A few handwritten glosses from several writers.
R. Zerach Eidlitz (ca. 1725-1780), author of Or LaYesharim. A leading rabbi and Torah disseminator in Prague in the time of the Noda BiYehuda. He served as preacher and dayan. He devoted himself to the education of young boys, and edified thousands of disciples, whom he enthused in Torah study through his unique and profound study method, and many of them grew up to be the Torah leaders of their generation. His epitaph attests that he imparted knowledge to his disciples unceasingly for forty years.
In his youth, he studied under R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, who raised him as a son after he was orphaned from his father. R. Zerach relates to this fact in his eulogy of R. Yehonatan Eybeschutz, and recounts that he was particularly cherished by his teacher, "…and of course I loved him very much, more than his other disciples did…". With time, he became a preacher and reprover of the public in the various synagogues in Prague. His sermons created a powerful impact, to the point that the Noda BiYehuda – rabbi of the city, and other Torah scholars would come to hear his passionate discourses, which displayed exceptional brilliance. The Noda BiYehuda wrote in his approbation to Or LaYesharim, R. Zerach Eidlitz's book of homily (Prague, 1785): "…he disseminated Torah with perspicacity and erudition throughout his entire life, he edified many disciples as is well-known, and apart from being very astute and sharp-witted in the study of Halacha… he was also very wise in delivering Aggadah and words of reproach, as he preached frequently in the synagogues of our community, and I heard from him delightful words, which penetrated the hearts of the listeners, impassioning them in fear of G-d". The Noda BiYehuda concludes: "Certainly one who reads these homilies will acquire thereby fear of his Creator, and will fortify himself like a lion to achieve complete repentance".
[9], 327, [6] leaves; [2], 227, [4] leaves; [2], 368, [9] leaves; [1], 309, [13] leaves. 35 cm. [2] Illustrated plates in vol. I (out of the [6] leaves of the last sequence) are bound before leaf 327. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains to several leaves. In vol. I, open tears to both title pages. Tears to several leaves, repaired. Paper repairs, primarily to first and final leaves. Tear affecting text to one leaf in vol. IV. New, elegant leather bindings.
See: Stefansky Classics, p. 48.