Bidspirit auction | Knesses HaGedolah, Orach Chaim. Livorno,

Knesses HaGedolah, Orach Chaim. Livorno, 1657. First Edition. - Sefer Knesses HaGedolah, a compilation of halachic rulings from the works of the poskim arranged according to the Tur and Beis Yosef, by Rabbi Chaim Benveniste. Presented here is the Orach Chaim volume, the first part of the monumental eight-volume work on the Tur, by which the author became widely known throughout the Jewish world. The Orach Chaim volume is the only part printed in Italy; the remaining volumes were printed in Kushta and Izmir. Printed by Yedidyah ben Yitzchak Gabbai, author of Kaf Nachas. Rabbi Chaim Benveniste, born 1603, was among the foremost Torah authorities of his generation. Following the passing of Rabbi Yosef Escapa, he served as Chief Rabbi of Izmir. He was a disciple of the Maharit and other leading sages of the generation. His renowned works, Knesses HaGedolah and Shayarei Knesses HaGedolah, became foundational works and enduring pillars of halachic rulings. The Chida writes of him: ”The aforementioned rabbi enlightens the eyes of the exile through his Knesses HaGedolah, printed in eight volumes. Without it, no halachic authority well versed in the methods of ruling, and who fears to render halachic decisions, would raise his hand to issue any ruling before hastening to the Knesses to see what is in its words and what his eyes of wisdom allude to; and after leaving the Knesses, he will calmly render his decision.” Bound in a renewed binding. Good condition