Manuscript, Talmud Yerushalmi Novellae and remarks, Zera’im, Mo’ed, Nashim and Nezikin tractates. Autographical writing by the Gaon Rabbi Meir Marim, Rabbi of Koverin, author of the “Nir” on the Talmud Yerushalmi.
The following note appears on the first page: “Unclassified remarks on the Talmud Yerushalmi Zera’im, Mo’ed, Nashim and a little bit of Nezikin”. Another note says: “By the famous Gaon Rabbi Meir Marim, Av Beit Din of the Capital City Koverin”.
The “Nir” on the Tamud Yerushalmi is a book which was printed after the author’s passing, and deals with the tractates of Zera’im (Warsaw, 1875), Mo’ed (Vilna, 1890) and Nashim (Warsaw 1932; Jerusalem 1979). This book quickly became a reference in the study of the Talmud Yerushalmi.
From a sample comparison made with the printed books, it appears that most of the novellae in the present manuscript differ from the ones printed in the Nir, and some of the printed version has been abbreviated, while the present manuscript offers a more explicit version of what the author meant (refer to Pesachim, Chapter 7 Halacha 11). Bits written by the author in the first edition are also mentioned in the present manuscript, (look at Yoma, end of the Chapter 4).
The notes on Yevamot were printed in the 1932 Warsaw edition (leaf 93), where it is mentioned that [a piece of the author’s manuscript] was found in Tiberias, Israel and “[this is] the actual author’s manuscript… we have managed to obtain a copy of the manuscript, which is apparently the first edition where the Rabbi wrote his remarks very briefly”. Whoever looks at the Yevamot related notes printed there, will realize that they were copied from the present manuscript.
The Gaon Rabbi Meir Marim Shafit (1800-1873), of the leading Torah geniuses of his generation, outstanding Hasid, disciple of the Admorim: Rabbi Noach Malkowitz, the “Beit Aharon” of Karlin, Rabbi Moshe of Koverin and Rabbi Avraham of Slonim, author of the “Yesod Avoda”. Was known for his sharp mindedness since youth, on his engagement agreement, the Admor Rabbi Yitzchak of Naschiz calls him “the Gaon Tzaddik”. He was appointed as Rabbi in the village of Meitshad (near Slonim) at age 15 [!]. Served as rabbi in several towns, and was appointed Av Beit Din of Koverin during the last years of his life. Famous for his sharp mind and a reference in the in-depth study of the Talmud Yerushalmi, he also gained prominence among the Lithuanian Geonim: Rabbi Eizel Harif, his cousin Rabbi Shmuel Avigdor Tosfaah, Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan, and more (see enclosed material). Rabbi Zalman Sander Kahana-Shapira was one of his disciples.
Over 290 written pages. About 21 cm. Fair condition, detached leaves, wear and tears, light damages affecting the text.