Bidspirit auction | Shu”t HaRashba, Venice, 5305–5306 [1545–1546].

Shu”t HaRashba, Venice, 5305–5306 [1545–1546]. A pedigree copy with glosses. - “Responsa composed by the great luminary, Rabbeinu Shlomo ben Aderet” — Part One, one of the foundational and most important works in responsa and halachic literature, with index leaves arranged according to the Tur. The responsa of the Rashba are regarded as among the cornerstones of rabbinic rulings literature, and extensive portions of Beis Yosef are based upon them. The title page bears the printed year 5305, however the printing was completed only in the middle of 5306, as stated in the colophon at the end of the sefer: “…and the sacred work was completed today, Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Adar 5306.” Venice, Giustiniani Press, 5305–5306 [1545–1546]. On the title page appears the signature of Rabbi Aharon Yaakov Sagri, father of Rabbi Nesanel Sagri, author of Shu”t Ofer Yaakov and among the leading rabbis of Italy in the 17th century (see: Encyclopedia of the Sages of Italy, p. 386). Several lengthy glosses appear throughout the sefer, possibly in his handwriting. The title page is decorated with colored illustrations. Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet (4995–5070) — among the greatest sages of Spain during the period of the Rishonim, and a disciple of Rabbeinu Yonah and the Ramban. His immense influence is evident throughout all areas of halachah and rabbinic decision-making for generations. Rabbi Yosef Karo greatly praised him and referred to him as: “The pillar of the world, by whose light we see light” (Beis Yosef, Yoreh De’ah, siman 110), while the heavenly maggid revealed to him in Maggid Meishorim refers to the Rashba as: “Chosen of Hashem.” Printed on thick, high-quality paper. Censorship deletions. 192 leaves. 27 cm. Several paper reinforcements on the title page and first and last leaves. Worming to the opening leaves with minor loss to text. Scattered wormholes in the margins throughout. Typical age staining. Good condition.