Sefer Ikarim, by R. Yosef Albo, with the Etz Shatul commentary by R. Gedalia Lipshitz of Lublin. Sudylkiv, 1835. Title page printed in red and black.
Copy of R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor. The front flyleaf bears an inscription testifying that the book belonged to him during his tenure as rabbi of Novardok (before his appointment as Rabbi of Kovno): "Belongs to the renowned Torah scholar… R. Yitzchak Elchanan Rabbi of Novardok".
On the same page, stamp (Hebrew and English) of R. "Refael Mordechai Barishansky (Rabbi of Homel), Rabbi of Talmud Torah Toras Moshe… Bronx, N.Y.". In his youth, R. Barishansky frequented the home of R. Yitzchak Elchanan; he was also ordained by him. He presumably received this book as a gift from R. Yitzchak Elchanan.
R. Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor (1817-1896), a foremost rabbi, renowned for his Torah genius, diligence and great piety. He was considered the supreme halachic authority of his times, and led Lithuanian and Russian Jewry for many years with wisdom and compassion. He began serving as rabbi at a young age, in ca. 1837, holding positions in various cities. In 1852, he was appointed rabbi of Novardok, a town of Torah scholars. He held this position until 1864, when he was appointed rabbi of Kovno. His fame spread throughout the world as a foremost halachic authority and leader of his generation. His responsa and novellae are printed in his series of books: Be'er Yitzchak, Nachal Yitzchak and Ein Yitzchak.
98 leaves. Approx. 37 cm. Overall good condition. Stains (including several dark stains). Minor wear. Marginal tears to endpapers. New leather binding.