Bidspirit auction | Kedushat Yom Tov (Maharit Algazi)

Kedushat Yom Tov (Maharit Algazi) – Jerusalem, 1843 – One of First Seforim Printed in Jerusalem. - Sefer Kedushat Yom Tov, novellae arranged according to the order of the Rambam, responsa entitled Da’at LeHisha’el, and homiletic discourses titled Yom Tov DeRabbanan, by Rabbi Yom Tov (Maharit) Algazi. First Edition. Jerusalem, printed by Rabbi Israel Bak, 1843. Published by the Rishon LeZion Rabbi Avraham Chaim Gagin. With his important introduction, in which he relates the miraculous rescue of the manuscript from a fire. [2], 30, 33–92 leaves. 28.7 cm. Among the earliest products of Hebrew printing in Jerusalem. Sh. HaLevi, no. 14. The author, known as the Mahrit Algazi (1727-1802), was a close colleague of the Chid’a. They both studied Kabbalah under the wing of R. Shalom Sharabi at the famed Bet El Yeshiva. Following the latter’s death, Mahrit Algazi was appointed Rishon LeTzion and succeeded R. Shalom Sharabi as Rosh Yeshiva of Bet El. His important work on Hilchoth Bechoroth appears in all standard Vilna editions of the Talmud. R. Yom Tov Algazi often traveled to Europe to solicit funds for the Jerusalem community and among many places visited, was warmly welcomed by famed Hungarian rabbis R. Moshe Sofer and R. Akiva Eiger. Mahrit Algazi’s leadership was influential: When rumors spread that the Jews of Jerusalem were planning to aid Napoleon's conquest of the city, R. Algazi publicly declared loyalty to the Turks and gathered the community to offer public prayers for an Ottoman victory. He is buried on Har HaZeitim alongside the grave of the Rasha’sh.