Bidspirit auction | Segulah Book! In an Original

Segulah Book! In an Original Leather Binding: Sefer Chaim by Rabbeinu Chaim Palachi First Edition Salonika, 1863 - Copy of the Gaon Rabbi Chaim Berlin - ”סגולת הספר הוא להיות ניצול מהסייף, ולכן נקרא ספר חיים” (tfrom the author's introduction)  Sefer Chaim, Dinim and Halachot pertaining to Keri'at HaTorah, Sefer Torah and the synagogue, by the Gaon and Mekubal Rabbi Chaim Palachi Av Beit Din of Izmir. Salonika, 1863. First edition.  Important and pedigreed copy that was owned by the Gaon Rabbi Chaim berlin, the Rav of Moscow and Jerusalem and the Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin - on the title page and the leaves of the book, there are stamps of his estate: ”אוצר הספרים של הגאון הצדיק רבי חיים ברלין”. Segulah Book This book is considered a Segulah book based on what the author wrote in his introduction to the book: ”הרי כי סגולת הספר הוא להיות ניצול מהסייף, ולכן נקרא ספר חיים”. Handwritten glosses In this copy, there are additions and corrections in ancient script on the indices leaves, from the time of printing. Since these glosses appear also on other known copies of the book and they are typical of the author's glosses on his work after its printing, some believe they were handwritten by the author. However, we cannot determine this definitely.  In addiiton, on leaf 4, there is a mostly erased gloss apparently handwritten by the Gaon Rabbi Chaim Berlin, the owner of the book.  [6], 146 leaves. 15 cm.  Fine original leather binding with a gilt embossment, with varied blemishes. New spine. Stains and minor blemishes. Good overall condition.   *** The Gaon Rabbi Chaim Palachi (1788-1868) one of the greatest contemporary Mekubalim and Poskim, and the crown jewel of authors throughout the generations, having authored over eighty fundamental works in his lifetime, covering Halacha, Minhag, Torah, and the Shas. He received rabbinic Semicha from his grandfather, the author of the Chikrei Lev, who called him ”the perfect sage.” Most of his manuscripts were tragically burned in the great fire of Izmir, but he managed to rewrite his vast Torah output from the depths of his phenomenal memory. He served for many years as the Av Beit Din of Izmir, with all the various communities in the city accepting his rulings without question. Rabbeinu's influence extended far beyond his rabbinical region, and he answered thousands of inquiries, reaching as far as the Far Eastern countries, Europe, and Africa. The Gaon Rabbi Chaim Berlin (1832–1912) was the eldest son of the illustrious Natziv of Volozhin and a great Torah leader of his generation. He served as Rav and Av Beit Din of Kobryn, Moscow, and Yalta, and was known as a staunch defender of religious observance during a time of spiritual persecution in Russia. After his father’s passing, he briefly headed the Volozhin Yeshiva. He later immigrated to Eretz Yisrael, and following Rabbi Shmuel Salant's passing, was appointed Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, though he humbly declined to accept the title officially. He was Rosh Yeshiva of Etz Chaim and was considered a pillar of the Old Yishuv in Jerusalem. Renowned for his humility, peaceful demeanor, and measured Halachic rulings, he left a lasting imprint on his contemporaries and on the path of Torah leadership in Eretz Yisrael. He passed away in 1912 and was buried on the Mount of Olives.