Bidspirit auction | First Edition: Pri Yitzchak –
First Edition: Pri Yitzchak – Vilna and Horodna, 1834 (תקצ”ד) Title: Pri Yitzchak (פרי יצחק) Author: Rabbi Yitzchak ben Tzvi Hirsch Mishkod (18th-century Kabbalist and Talmudist, from the schools of Kapoli and Mahaliv) Publication: Vilna and Horodna, 1834 (תקצ”ד) Pages: [1], 29 pages Condition: Good - Missing part of page 2 (with significant loss to text), stains, original printed cover with damage. Notable: The work includes a detailed explanation of the 613 commandments (Taryag Mitzvot), offering reminders (Remez) of each commandment related to one of the 248 limbs and 365 tendons of the human body. About the Book: Pri Yitzchak is a Kabbalistic work focused on all 613 commandments (Taryag Mitzvot) of the Jewish law, with each mitzvah symbolically linked to one of the 248 limbs of the human body (corresponding to the positive commandments) and 365 tendons (corresponding to the negative commandments, prohibitions). This work reflects the deep mystical tradition of the 18th century and is deeply influenced by Kabbalistic teachings, including those prevalent in the schools of Kapoli and Mahaliv. The author, Rabbi Yitzchak ben Tzvi Hirsch Mishkod, was a notable Kabbalist from the 18th century, who was affiliated with the Kabbalistic circles of Kapoli (modern-day Koprivshchyna) and Mahaliv. His work combines Kabbalah with Jewish law, making it a valuable resource for scholars of both traditions. Noteworthy Features: This is the first edition of Pri Yitzchak, printed in Vilna and Horodna in 1834. The book's approach to the 613 commandments connects the mystical Kabbalistic teachings about the human body with Jewish law, providing an innovative way of understanding mitzvot. The printed cover of the first edition, although damaged, adds authenticity to the historical value of this rare book. In the Vinograd-Rosenfeld catalog, it is noted that some copies of this edition include a printed page affixed inside, stating that the great Gaon of Vilna (the Gra) approved the book. This page is not present in all copies but further enhances the historical importance of the work. Condition Details: The book has a large tear on the second page, with a significant portion of the text missing. This could affect some parts of the content, but the rest of the book is preserved well. Stains are present due to age, but the book is in overall good condition considering its age and rarity. Importance: The book is an important Kabbalistic work, and its connection to Rabbi Yitzchak ben Tzvi Hirsch Mishkod adds to its scholarly and spiritual value. The mention of the Gaon of Vilna (the Gra) potentially endorsing this work is noteworthy, as it associates the book with one of the most revered Jewish scholars of all time. Conclusion: This first edition of Pri Yitzchak is a rare and valuable piece for Kabbalah scholars and Jewish bibliophiles. Its combination of Kabbalistic philosophy, Jewish law, and spiritual symbolism makes it a noteworthy contribution to 18th-century Jewish thought and mysticism. Despite its condition issues, particularly the missing part of the second page, this work is a must-have for collectors and scholars interested in Kabbalistic literature and historical Jewish texts.