Keren Orah – four parts (in two volumes). Talmudic novellae by the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak, renowned rabbi of Karlin. First edition. Vilna, 1852-1869. On the title page of Tractate Zevachim, there is a signature by Dva”sh – Rabbi David ben Shimon.
Before us is one of the most important compositions on Sha”s by the Later Authorities [Acharonim]. It is a fundamental book on in-depth scholarly study found in all yeshivah halls, printed thereafter in many editions. His Torah novellae are in the style of the Acharonim such as the Pnei Yehoshua and the Torah Chaim, who, in contrast to the first Acharonim such as the Maharsh”a, who were primarily occupied with commentary, began to write more modern commentaries, and also presented new methods in understanding Talmudic topics. This first part before us was printed in the author’s lifetime, but he passed away in the middle of the printing. On the last page, there is an obituary for him.
* Volume I: Chiddushim al Masechet Yevamot V’Horiyot , Vilna, 1851. 4, 184 pp, 34 cm.
* Volume II: Chiddushim al Masechet Nedarim, Sotah, Nazir . Vilna, 1869. [2] 91, 85-[129], approximately 35 cm.
Bound with:
* Volume I: Chiddushim al Masechet Nazir , Vilna, 1868. [2] 140 pp. Approximately 35 cm.
Bound with: Chiddushim al Masechet Zvachim U’me’ilah . Vilna, 1857. [4] 168 pp, approximately 35 cm.
The gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Minkovsky [1788-1852] was the renowned rabbi of the city of Karlin, who is known by the name of this book, as “the author of Keren Orah. ” He was born in Minsk to Rabbi Aharon, one of the city’s notables and son of Rabbi Baruch of Shklov. Theirs was a family of impressive rabbinic lineage, and the patriarch of their family, Rabbi Leib of Minsk, was therefore called “Rabbi Leib, Ba’al HaTosafot.” Rabbi Yitzchak was known as a prodigy from his youth. He studied under Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, disciple of the Gr”a, but refused to accept a rabbinic position. However, due to a specific incident, he did accept the glorified rabbinate of Karlin, where he composed this monumental work before us, Keren Orah .
Rabbi David Ben Shimon [d. 1880] was an exalted rabbi in Rabat, Morocco, and taught many students. He ascended to the Land of Israel in 1854, and later founded the Va’ad HaEdah HaMa’aravit and the Machaneh Yisrael neighborhood. He is known for his works: Sha’arei Tzedek , Sha’ar HaMatarah and Sha’ar HaMefaked . His descendants are of the distinguished Ben Shimon family.
Stefansky, Sifrei Yessod 83. Overall fine-very fine condition.