Mishnat Chachamim. Commentary on the Six Orders of the Mishna, by Rabbi Meshulam Feivush HaLevi Horowitz of Kremenets, father-in-law of Rabbi Avraham ‘The Angel.’ Ostrog, 1796.
Specifications: [3], 33; [1], 15; [1], 22; [1], 20; [1], 24; [1] 46 leaves, approximately 20 cm. Sketches. Stefansky Chassidut, 369. First edition. Special copy.
Unique Features: Special copy. With six title pages. Contains a general title page, and additional title pages for the orders of: Moed, Nashim, Nezikin, Kodshim and Taharot. In most of the known copies, in addition to the first title page there are additional title pages for the orders of Moed, Nashim and Nezikin. There is a known copy with an additional title page for the order of Kodshim. However, in the copy before us there is an additional title page for the order of Taharot as well. The title page of the order of Nezikin is similar to the first title page. The title pages of the orders of Moed, Nashim, Kodshim and Taharot are similar, and they have a detail calculation different than that of first title page and the title page of the order of Nezikin, despite being printed in the same year.
Background: The author was the in-law of the Maggid of Mezeritch, as the author’s daughter was married to Rabbi Avraham ‘The Angel.’ The relationship between the author and the Maggid of Mezeritch can also be seen from a letter found in the Charson genizah which the Maggid wrote to the author- his in-law, regarding the commentary to the order of Taharot before us. It is well known that there are those who doubt the authenticity of the Charson genizah, but the fact that a letter about the book before us was found there attests to the relationship between them.
The book is the first edition of the commentary written by Rabbi Meshulam Feivish HaLevi Horowitz of Kremenets, the in-law of the Maggid of Mezeritch. The book was printed a few years after the author’s passing, by the author’s son with an introduction by him. With enthusiastic approbation from the great rabbis of all sectors: Rabbi Yechezkel Landau the ‘Noda B’Yehuda, ‘ Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz the ‘Ba’al HaHafla’ah.’ Rabbi Shaul of Amsterdam, Rabbi Rafael HaCohen of Altona – Altona-Hamburg-Wandsbek, Rabbi Yosef Steinhart of Furth, and many more.
Condition: Compromised. Tears with damage to text on a number of leaves. Aging stains. Minimal worming holes. New leather binding.