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Chiddushim on Maseches Niddah by the Maharsha. Prague, 5362 [1602]. First edition published during the lifetime of the Maharsha. Rare. - “That which was newly developed day by day within the holy fellowship that was with him, and he sent them here to be printed at his own expense and from his own means, in honor of his Creator.” A rare and important imprint from Prague, printed for the first time in separate parts from the Maharsha’s complete commentary. In later years the parts were gathered and printed together. This is the first and only edition printed in this format. The Chiddushei Maharsha are regarded as foundational in the study of Tosafos, to the extent that among yeshivah students it is customary to gauge understanding of a sugya through comparison with the Maharsha’s interpretation and commentary. The Chazon Ish also instructed in his letters that the study of the Maharsha’s commentary form a central component of the learning schedule, and the sages of North Africa and the Eastern lands likewise extolled the importance of its study. Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer ben Rabbi Yehudah Edeles — the Maharsha — was among the foremost commentators on the Talmud of the later generations. He was born in Kazimierz near Krakow in 5315 [1555], and passed away in Ostroh, Volhynia, on 5 Kislev 5392 [1631]. His father was Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi, a descendant of Rabbi Akiva Cohen and leader of the community of Oiven, and his mother belonged to the family of the Maharal of Prague. His father-in-law was Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi of Pozna, author of Zichron Moshe. The Maharsha signed his name “Shmuel Edeles” after his mother-in-law, Mrs. Eidel, in recognition of her support of his great yeshivah in Pozna for approximately twenty years (1585–1605). Following her passing, the yeshivah was closed. He later served as Av Beis Din in the city of Chelm, and in 5374 [1614] was appointed Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshivah in Lublin. Thereafter he served in the rabbinate of Tiktin, and ultimately was accepted as Rav and Av Beis Din in Ostroh, where he led a large yeshivah to which many students flocked to hear his lectures. His methods of study and leadership:  The Maharsha advocated a logical and lucid style of pilpul and opposed “empty pilpul that distracts a person from the truth” (Chiddushei Aggados to Bava Metzia 85). In his commentary to the Aggados of Chazal he sometimes employed allegorical and homiletic approaches (Berachos, beginning of ch. 3), while elsewhere emphasizing that the words of Chazal should be understood literally (Bechoros 31). In other places he explained Aggados through inquiry and analysis and emphasized that Chazal possessed knowledge also in worldly sciences and medicine (Gittin 48). Rare first edition, printed during the lifetime of the Maharsha. Fine new leather binding. Prague, 5362 [1602]. 36 leaves. Restored worming. On the third leaf, paper repairs to the margins and minor staining. Two additional leaves with paper restorations to the lower margins. Good condition.