Novellae on the weekly Torah portions , the five megillahs, festivals and holidays; Talmudic novellae; and responsa by Rabbi Shaul [Levenstam], Av Beit Din of Amsterdam and grandson of the Chacham Tzvi. Amsterdam [1778]. First Edition. Two parts. Handwritten glosses.
Specifications : First part: [6] 36, 40 leaves. Second part: [2] 40 leaves. 30 cm. Distinct title page for second part.
Background: First edition of the book by Rabbi Shaul of Amsterdam – the renowned rabbi of Amsterdam, and one of the greatest rabbis of his generation. The second part has a separate title page. The “binyan” (building) is divided into houses and rooms, the Torah novellae are called “Torah Rooms” innovations on the festivals are called “Festival House” and Talmudic novellae are called “Talmud House . ”
Contents: Part two page 30 contains responsa from the author’s brother, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch, Av Beit Din of Berlin, concerning: “if one may rely on what is found in a book, reprinted by one of the unique individuals among the great of our generation, to permit a poor worker shaving on the intermediate days of a festival …” the intention, of course, is the responsa in Noda B’Yehuda – the author and his brother vehemently disagree with this ruling, and out of respect refrain from mentioning him by name.
Unique Features: Includes two scholarly halachic glosses handwritten by a rabbi of stature. One of the glosses cites the Shu”t Chaim Sha’al by the Chida. The Chida knew the author, and wrote in Shem HaGadolim : “And I, the meager, merited receiving the Divine Presence in the year 1778 while on a mission for a mitzvah, and I was privileged to be enthralled by his Torah, humility, and perfection.”
The end page bears a lengthy handwritten note regarding a meeting held in London, in which they wished to change and shorten the liturgical prayer text. The writer relies on what is written in this book about the importance of the prayer text.
Condition: Very fine. Simple binding.