A Rare Hebrew Classic: Sefer Pnei Yehoshua - Seder Moed, Frankfurt 1752. First Edition - Printed During The ...

A Rare Hebrew Classic: Sefer Pnei Yehoshua - Seder Moed, Frankfurt 1752. First Edition - Printed During The Author’s Lifetime.

Presented here is a complete copy of the rare first edition of Sefer Pnei Yehoshua on Seder Moed, Frankfurt 1752. 

Sefer Pnei Yehoshua was authored by R. Yaakov Yehoshua Falk of Cracow, and was named after the Sefer of his grandfather, who also authored a work called Pnei Yehoshua. (For this reason, he referred to his work by “Apei Zutra” - “small faces”, to differentiate from that of his grandfather’s – “Apei Ravrevi”.) 

It is well known that the Pnei Yehoshua was inspired to write this work due to a miracle that happened to him. Once, the roof of the entire structure where he was at suddenly collapsed, causing the entire roof and walls to cave atop of all the inhabitants. The Pnei Yehoshua found himself deep under rubble and ruin, unsure if he would make it out alive. He then vowed that if G-d would help him out of the rubble alive and well, he would dedicate his life to author a work on Rashi’s commentary, similar to that of his grandfather’s Maginei Shlomo. It was then that he emerged from the rubble unscathed. (One wonders if we would have this major work in existence today if not for that terrible experience which he found himself in). See the introduction to Pnei Yehoshua (Nashim/Nezikin) for the entire episode in great detail, written by the author himself. 

Interestingly, although this volume is printed as “Volume One”, it was preceded by Seder Nashim and Nezikin which was printed a few years earlier in Amsterdam in 1739. The Pnei Yehosuha writes there that he intends to publish only a small portion of his work, and only if it finds favor in the eyes of the public, he would publish additional portions. Hence this Frankfurt edition which followed, as stated on the title page. 

A most unusual line is seen on the title page, added by the publisher: “It shall be the will of Heaven to agree with [the author] and allow him to fulfill his wishes to settle in the Holy Land”. Ultimately, he did not succeed in settling in Eretz Israel. It is unclear exactly why this statement is written here, although perhaps we can assume that the publisher added this first title page not in reference to the actual work (which is discussed in detail in the following title page), but rather to pay homage to its author. Perhaps the publisher felt that this unique additional title page would bring great satisfaction and honor to the Pnei Yehoshua, thereby listing the famous cities where he served as Rabbi, as well as his current aspirations and Holy endeavors. 

This edition contains novella to Tractate Berachos, as well as the Tractates of Seder Mo’ed (Shabbos, Pesachim, Beitzah, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkah, Megillah and parts of Yoma). 

This volume is far more scarce than the first volume printed in Amsterdam, and is rarely seen at auction.  

In overall very good condition. Light stains seen on some pages. Light traceworming to final 4 pp., not affecting text. Margins trimmed. 

Previous ownership stamps “M[eir] Ralbag” seen on first title page. Lengthy scholarly glosses seen on many pages. 

[2], 52; 66; 50; 37 (should be 36); 29; 26; 31 (should be 12) pp. 

Vinograd, Frankfurt an der Main 510. 

Stefansky Hebrew Classics 78.