Simchat HaRegel (Part II), commentary to Megillat Ruth, lessons for Shavuot and Sukkot, commentary to Ein Yaakov Tractate Sukkah, by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida. Livorno, [1782].
Published by the Chida during his stay in Livorno. Tractate Gerim of the Minor Tractates was printed for the first time at the end of the book. A first part was printed together with this book, on the Passover Haggadah. A trimmed inscription on the title page of this copy, handwritten and signed by R. Yaakov Nunez Vais - rabbi of Livorno, attesting that he received the book from the author: "Was given to me as a gift from R. Ch[ida], may G-d grant him longevity, Tol[aat] Yaakov Nune[z] Vais".
Two additional leaves were bound at the end of the book; one contains an index to part I, and the second is a galley proof of leaf 43 of part II, printed on one side only, containing various errors, with handwritten corrections (by the author?). By comparison to leaf 43 in this copy, it is apparent that all the errors were corrected for the final printed version.
A blank leaf follows these two leaves, with an Italian inscription (a letter?) dated 1782 (year of printing), mentioning the name of R. Yaakov Nunez Vais (or perhaps his signature?).
R. Yaakov Nunez Vais (d. ca. 1815), leading rabbi in Livorno and dean of its yeshiva, who later served as rabbi of the city (in place of the Chida). An elite member of the Chida's group in Livorno, he engaged with him in Kabbalah and kabbalistic tikkunim. He was the nephew of R. Yishmael HaKohen of Modena, who quotes him in his book under the title "the wise and sage Torah scholar, R. Yaakov Nunez Vais my nephew…".
His signature appears on many approbations and in forewords of various book, some of which mention him as the rabbi and dean of the Livorno community. He is renowned for his composition Chedvat Yaakov printed at the end of the book Siach Yitzchak by his father - R. Yitzchak Nunez Vais (Livorno, 1794). His book Chedvat Yaakov is mentioned in Gilyon HaShas by R. Akiva Eger (Berachot folio 2 - despite the fact that R. Akiva Eger did not usually quote contemporary books). A eulogy in his memory by R. David Meldola was printed in the rare booklet Kinat David (Livorno, 1815).
64, [3] leaves (without 102 leaves of part I). 20.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Two final leaves in fair condition. Tears and wear. New binding.