Binah La’itim (Understanding of the times) is universally recognized as one of the pillars of classical Jewish homiletical literature. It was written by Rabbi Azariah Figo (1579–1647), the Chief Rabbi of Pisa and Venice. This work revolutionized the art of the rabbinic sermon. The title of the book originates from the Biblical verse regarding the … Continue reading Binah La’itim, by Rabbi Azariah Figo, First edition, Venice, 1648.
Category: Antique Judaica
Avodas HaGershoni, by Rabbi Gershon Ashkenazi Ulif, Frankfort on Main, 1699
In the Bodlean Library in Oxford is one of the greatest collections of Hebrew manuscripts and printed books ever assembled. It is the collection of Rabbi David Oppenheim of Prague, who was a major rabbinical scholar, an enthusiastic collector of books, and a financier of books by prominent rabbinical authors. The library was purchased by … Continue reading Avodas HaGershoni, by Rabbi Gershon Ashkenazi Ulif, Frankfort on Main, 1699
Perush Al Neviim Rishonim (Commentary on the early prophets) by Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel, third edition, Hamburg, 1687, with Abarbanel’s description of the expulsion from Spain in 1492.
While browsing through Abarbanel’s commentary on the early prophets, I came across his introduction of the Book of Kings. Writing about kings, he starts writing about the King of Spain and the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, including himself, of which more below. I am not the first person to notice this, and I … Continue reading Perush Al Neviim Rishonim (Commentary on the early prophets) by Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel, third edition, Hamburg, 1687, with Abarbanel’s description of the expulsion from Spain in 1492.
What was Rabbi Mendelsohn of Glasgow reading? Sheeris Yaakov, by Rabbi Yaakov Denezohn of Libau, 1911, Saszfalu.
What was Rabbi Yaakov Ben Zion Mendelsohn of Glasgow reading? And what was his connection with the author of this book? Rabbi Yaakov Denezohn (or Denisohn), published this book of Shaylos and Tshuvos (questions and answers), Sheeris Yaakov (The Offspring of Jacob), originally in 1896. This second edition was published in 1911 in Saszfalu. I … Continue reading What was Rabbi Mendelsohn of Glasgow reading? Sheeris Yaakov, by Rabbi Yaakov Denezohn of Libau, 1911, Saszfalu.
Shoshanas HaEmakim, by Rabbi Yosef ben Meir Teomim, Lemberg, 1860.
This is an interesting small book from my antique book collection, called Shoshanas ha-Emakim, which means Lily of the Valleys. The author is Rabbi Yosef ben Meir Teomim, often known by the title of his major work, "Pri Megadim". It is a scholarly work focused on the methodology and principles of Talmudic study. My copy … Continue reading Shoshanas HaEmakim, by Rabbi Yosef ben Meir Teomim, Lemberg, 1860.
Mishneh Torah – Yad HaChazakah, by Moses ben Maimon (Rambam), Dyhrenfurth, 1809.
The Rambam, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (also known as Maimonides), was a Talmudist, halakhist (Jewish legal scholar), doctor of medicine, philosopher and communal leader. He lived in 12th-century-Egypt and his writings (in Arabic and Hebrew) spread across the Jewish world and beyond, enriching the study of Judaism, philosophy, medicine, and more. His great work was … Continue reading Mishneh Torah – Yad HaChazakah, by Moses ben Maimon (Rambam), Dyhrenfurth, 1809.
Pri Megadim on Yoreh Deah by Rabbi Yosef Teomim, Frankfort on the Oder, 1801.
Pri Megadim (Choice Fruits) is by Rabbi Yosef Meir Teomim, head of the rabbinical court of Frankfort on the Oder. It is a deep and comprehensive learned explanation of two previous commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch and is often quoted by the Chofetz Chaim in his Mishnah Berurah. This is the third edition, printed in … Continue reading Pri Megadim on Yoreh Deah by Rabbi Yosef Teomim, Frankfort on the Oder, 1801.
Ezras Kohanim, by Rabbi Yehoshua Yosef ben Nachum Dov haKohen Feinberg, Warsaw, 1877 – and its owner, Szmuel Dawid Jakubowicz, accountant of the Lublin Judenrat.
I bought this book some years ago, intrigued by its journey. It was found among the thousands of books that were saved from destruction during the Holocaust, and were collected in Warsaw after the war and eventually sent to the Land of Israel for distribution to institutions. This volume was apparently purchased by Shmuel David … Continue reading Ezras Kohanim, by Rabbi Yehoshua Yosef ben Nachum Dov haKohen Feinberg, Warsaw, 1877 – and its owner, Szmuel Dawid Jakubowicz, accountant of the Lublin Judenrat.
Asifat Zekenim, by Rabbi Bezalel Ashkenazi, Bava Basra / Nozir, First Edition, 1774 Livorno.
This first edition of Asifat Zekenim (collection of elders), better known as the Shita Mekubetzet (collected method or system of gathered material), has approbations (haskamas) of the Rabbis of Livorno (Leghorn) and apparently the first published approbation by the Chida – Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai. The Chida has some interesting British connections. He was … Continue reading Asifat Zekenim, by Rabbi Bezalel Ashkenazi, Bava Basra / Nozir, First Edition, 1774 Livorno.
Moreh Be’Etzbah and Tziporen Shamir, by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida), London, 1791.
This is a single bound volume in my collection, printed in London in 1791 by Alexander Alexander. It includes two short books by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, known as the Chida (from his initials). The Chida was born in Jerusalem, and came from a prominent rabbinic family. He was the great-great-grandson of Moroccan Rabbi … Continue reading Moreh Be’Etzbah and Tziporen Shamir, by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida), London, 1791.
Jewish Miscellanies 