Bidspirit auction | The Dispute between Rabbi Yaakov

The Dispute between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz: Sefer Beit Yehonatan - A Rare and historical book that was printed at the house of the Gaon Rabbi Yaakov Emden in Altona, [1763]. Printed without a title page.  ”This book is extremely rare like all the Yavetz's disputed books which he wrote and printed in his own printery. And this books too was authored by him yet attributed to his disciple, who never was and never existed, and printed in in Altona 1763 and it is indeed surprising that such a great man as the Yavetz would fill twenty leaves of this book with deep contempt and hatred...” (Menachem Mendel Ekstein , Rav of Cleveland Erev Shabbat Tetze 1936 - the grandson of the Bnei Yissachar and a disciple of the Arugot Habosem).  Rabbi Yaakov Emden was one of the leading figures who objected to the Sabbatean Movement and aggressively fought anything he perceived as having a Sabbatean streak. Against this background, a bitter dispute broke out between him and Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz, one of the leading rabbis of Ashkenaz, who had vast knowledge of Kabbalah and was famed as a wonder-worker and writer of amulets. When the Yavetz saw some of these amulets, he studied them and claimed that they imply a belief in Shabtai Zvi. The historical controversy led to heated arguments between the rabbis of Germany, Poland, France, Holland and other European countries. Later, Rabbi Yehonatan was backed by most of contemporary rabbis and the dispute was forgotten. Today there is a consensus that Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz was not a Sabbatean; rabbinic historiography assumes that the Yavetz's claims against him were mistaken. In addition to the many booklets he wrote on this dispute, Rabbi Yaakov Emden authored more than sixty books on all subjects of the Torah. The most well-known of these is the Siddur Yavetz or Siddur Rabbi Yaakov Emden and the book Amudei Shamayim.  Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Emden - the Yavetz [1698-1776] : was the son of the Chacham Zvi - Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Ashkenazi. Was a Rav and Talmid Chacham and one of the leading rabbis in the 18th century. Rabbi Yaakov refused to hold a rabbinic position yet eventually, in 1728, he was appointed Rav of Emden and was known ever since as Rabbi Yaakov Emden. Four years later, the Yavetz returned to his hometown Altona and  after receiving the permission of Duke Christian VI, opened a Hebrew printing house, refusing any other rabbinic position. In his book, he humorously recalls that he used to bless every day 'ברוך שלא עשני אב”ד' (Blessed be He who did not make me an Av Beit Din - parallel to the blessing ”שלא עשני עבד”). He continued to study Torah and author books, which earned him the reputation of a leading contemporary sage.  Altona [1763].  20 leaves. Complete. Good-very good condition. A tiny tear to the corner of the title page. Minor taping to the edge of the last leaf. Fine overall condiiton. Modern leather binding.