Zichron Yosef, responsa and homilies by R. Yosef of Steinhardt, Rabbi of Fürth. Fürth: Itzek son of Leib Buchbinder, [1773]. First edition.

The author's preface contains sharp criticism of the Chassidic movement and the practice of following rebbes. He calls the Chassidic movement "a sect providing no satisfaction, forming a community of pietists and ascetics differing in their actions and customs from the holy community". This introduction was printed on two leaves, after the title page. Chassidim would often tear out these leaves; in the present copy these leaves are present.
Signature on title page: "Binyamin Niederhofheim". Additional signature deleted with ink: "Meir Oppenheim".

R. Binyamin Niederhofheim (1810-1885), a merchant and extraordinary Torah scholar, and a renowned and expert Mohel (7110 infants were circumcised by him!). A prominent member of the Frankfurt am Main community at the time of R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch (who was buried next to him). Author of Dinei Milah, a work printed in R. Moshe Brück's Sefer HaBrit (Frankfurt am Main, 1841). He hosted in his home the minyan (prayer quorum) perpetuating the distinctive customs of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt am Main, teacher of the Chatam Sofer. R. Natan Adler had originally established a private minyan in his home, which prayed following the Sephardi rite. After his passing, his disciple R. Leib Emmerich upheld this minyan, and in 1818, it was transferred to the home of the son-in-law of his son-in-law, R. Binyamin Niederhofheim, where it continued being held until the Holocaust, and was known as the "Niederhofheim'sche Shul". R. Binyamin owned a large private library, which also included rare manuscripts.

[3], 24, [1], 25-46, 46-67, 67-119, [2] leaves. 31.5 cm. Partially dark paper. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming to first leaves, affecting text, mostly repaired with paper and paper filling. Margins of title page and several other leaves repaired with paper. New binding.