Bidspirit auction | Of Exceptional Rarity: Sefer Tehillim

Of Exceptional Rarity: Sefer Tehillim With Midrash Chachamim Commentary, Minsk 1809 -      Sefer Tehillim with Rashi and the Midrash Chachamim commentary, Minsk 1809. Authored by R. Pinchas of Plotsk (1747-1823), a renowned disciple of the Vilna Gaon and Maggid of Plotsk. In his introduction to this work, the author relates that, as a disciple of the Vilna Gaon, his style and approach to this commentary reflects that which he was taught from his great teacher. On pp. 107 he writes: “And I heard directly from the Gaon…” Upon the publication of his commentary to the Siddur (Sha’ar Harachamim, Shklov 1788), he presented it to the Gaon. As is well known, the Gaon received it enthusiastically, and was particularly impressed with his commentary on “Adon Olam”. (Interestingly, the author relates in his introduction to this work that he presented two of his works to the Gaon personally. One of them was his Siddur, and the other was likely his first work “Kesser Torah”, which deals with the exalted state of Torah study).  This work is of unparalleled rarity. Without doubt one of the rarest works printed during the 19th century. To the best of our knowledge, it has only ever appeared twice at auction.  First 10 pp. are torn in the upper corner area with loss to text, filled in with handwritten text, likely in the mid-19th century. Bottom corner of title page and following leaf also torn with loss, text completed by same hand. Aside from these areas, this copy is in mint condition, with absolutely no signs of wear.   Printed on thick, high-quality blue paper. Bound in an ornate leather binding.  For further reading see: Ohel Rachel, Chaim Lieberman, pp. 136; Otzar Sifrei Hagra (Vinograd) 1578.  [1], 132 (should be 137) pp.  Page size: 21cm