“We looked in the new sefer that just arrived, by the gaon Moreinu HaRav R’ Yehonatan, entitled Kreiti U’Pleiti …
I was filled with joy to see that some of [my] studies were included, and that they were somewhat along the same lines as his opinion” (the Chid”a in Birkei Yosef siman 186)
Fundamental work: Kreiti U’Pleiti – rulings and in-depth discussions in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah (with the text), by the great gaon Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschütz, av beit din of Ah”u and one of the leaders of Ashkenazic Jewry. Altona, 1763. First edition.
The Chid”a’s calligraphic signature is prominently displayed on the title page: ‘Chaim Yosef David Azoulay, S”T.’ The date and place he bought the sefer are noted next to his signature: ‘Tunis, 17 Cheshvan, 1763, B”sd.’ The Chid”a resided in Tunis from 1773 until after Pesach 1774. Just before Rosh HaShanah, the Chid”a printed two of his most important works in Livorno – Birkei Yosef and Shem HaGedolim (he printed only one sefer before these, Sha’ar Yosef , 1757).
Two signatures appear alongside the Chid”a’s signature, from the gaon Rabbi Uziel Elchayach, one of the leading rabbis of Tunis, author of Mishkenot HaRo’im . Rabbi Uziel knew the Chid”a from the time the latter spent in Tunis. The Chid”a writes about him in Sefer HaZichronot Ma’agal Tov “Rabbi Uziel Chayach, although he was opposed to emissaries, and he is sharp and has quite a memory, he very much honored me.” Rabbi Uziel even travelled with him to accompany him as he left the city. When the Chid”a passed away, Rabbi Uziel issued the ruling “The primary rabbi of every sage, for whom all should tear kriyah the day they hear [about the passing]…”
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the sacred Rabbi Chaim Yosef Azoulay, the Chid”a .
“Over in Italy, there is a great tzaddik, whose works annul all heretical literature. If only Jewish hearts would study the Chid”a’s works, they would not budge from their faith.” (Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk)
[3], 34 [should be: 35]; 165 leaf. 29.5 cm.
Overall moderate-fine condition. Worming perforations. Adhesions in the inner margins of most of the leaves. Tears with lack in four leaves, some with lack in the text. The title page has been professionally restored. Antique-style leather binding. Chafing and wear.