Shu”t Zichron Yosef , responsa and novellae by Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt, Av Beit Din of Furth. First edition. Owners’ signatures.
In the introduction, the author writes against the sect of Chassidism that began to spread in those days. The introduction was written in the month of Nissan, 1773, and in it he cites from the book Zamir Aritzim V’Charavot Tzurim , which was printed in 1772. He writes about them, “They make most of their days as festivals; they moan and sigh in their prayers, make strange noises, and change many customs.” He also writes that they came to reside in his country (Ashkenaz) – referring here to the brothers Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsberg and Rabbi Pinchas, author of Hafla’ah , disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch – who were appointed as rabbis in Ashkenaz.
In the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book , it is written that the author’s introduction was torn out of most of the copies by the Chassidim.
The author, Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt (1720-1776), a disciple of the gaon Rabbi Ya’akov Katz, author of Shev Ya’akov , Av Beit Din of Furth, Ashkenaz, was considered one of the greatest rabbinic leaders and adjudicators of his era.
Owner’s signatures on the title page.
[3], 24, [1], 25-46, 46-67, 67-119, [2] leaves, 30 cm.
Fine condition. Minimal worming perforations. Aging stains.