Bidspirit auction | ” ”Pnei Aryeh. Rabbi Aryeh Leib

” ”Pnei Aryeh. Rabbi Aryeh Leib Breslau. Amsterdam 1790. First Edition. – Philadelphia mentioned. Only edition of this multifaceted work comprised of responsa, halakhic rulings, and expositions by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Breslau. Amsterdam 1790. The Widow & Orphans Proops 1790. [3], 106 ff. Fine condition with some stains. Rabbi Aryeh Leib Breslau (or Breslauer) was the Chief Rabbi of Rotterdam, Holland. He was consulted in a halachic matter by one Gimpel Wolfenbitel of Amsterdam concerning a donation made by “R. Haym of Philadelphia” (responsum 41 on f.46r.). “R. Haym” turns out to be none other than Haym Salomon (1740-1785), famous in the annals of Early American History for his generosity toward the fathers of the Republic, James Madison, et al. It seems Rabbi Breslau recommended to Salomon that he contribute to the upkeep of an anonymous individual in Amsterdam. Salomon hearkened to Rabbi Breslau's plea, and sent a sum to Wolfenbitel on behalf of the poor man. However, in the interim, the poor man turned rich, and Wolfenbitel questioned R. Breslau whether halachically, he should return the funds to Haym Salomon.