Pe'at HaShulchan, laws pertaining to Eretz Israel, by R. Yisrael of Shklow, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. Safed: R. Yisrael Bak, 1836. First edition.
The author, R. Yisrael of Shklow (1770-1839), close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna (whom he studied under in the latter's final years), was active in publishing the books of the Gaon of Vilna and disseminating his teachings. He led the immigration of the disciples of the Gaon of Vilna to Eretz Israel.
In his lengthy and important preface, the author describes his trials and tribulations upon immigrating to Eretz Israel. He mentions the epidemic which broke out in the Galilee in 1813, the passing of his wife during their escape to Jerusalem, the death of their children with the spread of the epidemic to Jerusalem, and the demise of his parents in the Galilee. He continues to recount his return to the Galilee, his imprisonment during the siege of Akko and his miraculous rescue from the collapse of houses in the winter in Safed, and more.
The rest of his preface serves as a very important source of information on the life of the Gaon of Vilna, as R. Yisrael describes in detail the prominence of the Gaon of Vilna, his approach and methods, his extraordinary knowledge of the Torah and sciences, and more.
[5], 2-109, [1] leaves. 30 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor damage. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. Old binding with leather spine. Wear and damage to binding. Bookplate.
One of the last books printed in Safed before the 1837 earthquake, following which both the author and R. Yisrael Bak, the printer, relocated to Jerusalem.
This copy includes the final leaf of errata.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 1543.
Provenance: The Yeshayahu Vinograd Collection, Jerusalem.