Bidspirit auction | Responsa Simḥah le-Ish By R. Yaakov

Responsa Simḥah le-Ish By R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, “Rishon le-Tzion” First Edition — Jerusalem 1893 With the author’s dedication and a correction in his own holy handwriting - She’elot u-Teshuvot Simḥah le-Ish By Rabbi Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, the Rishon le-Tzion and chief judge of Jerusalem, known by the title ha-Yissa Berakhah. First edition, with the author’s dedication affixed, and an emendation in his sacred handwriting. Jerusalem 1893 On the flyleaf is mounted a printed dedication of the author, with several words added in his own hand: ” רב חביבא הרב הכולל ... כש”ת ניסים חנוך הכהן ”. The recipient of the volume from the Yissa Berakhah was “the ḥasid R. Nissim Ḥanokh ha-Kohen, ” rabbi and communal leader in Jerusalem, son-in-law of the holy Rabbi Ḥayim Nissim Abulafia — rabbi of Tiberias and Rishon le-Tzion. In responsum no. 5 of this work: ” נשאלתי על ידי הרב הגאון רב שמואל סלנט אודות העיר עזה, כידוע לנו בבירור מפי הקבלה ומפי ספרים שעזה היה בו ישוב בני ישראל זמן רב והנה בעתה... נתעוררו אחינו בני ישראל הספרדים אשכנזים לקבוע דירה בעזה ונתקבצו מניין עשרה מישראל ומתפללים שם... ונסתפקו אם עזה היא ארץ ישראל לעניין יום טוב שני ”. On leaf 78a there is a correction in manuscript, evidently in the hand of the Yissa Berakhah. [2], 124 leaves. Binding worn; condition good. The Yissa Berakhah: The author, R. Yaakov Shaul Elyashar (1817–1906), was the son of R. Eliezer Yeruḥam Elyashar, one of the judges of Safed. Orphaned of his father at the age of six, his mother married the Av Beit Din of Jerusalem, R. Binyamin Mordekhai Navon, upon whose knees the Yissa Berakhah was raised and taught. After the passing of R. Ḥayim David Ḥazan, who had served as Rishon le-Tzion, the seat was filled by R. Avraham Ashkenazi; during that period the Yissa Berakhah served de facto as Av Beit Din. Upon the passing of R. Ashkenazi, the Yissa Berakhah assumed the position of Rishon le-Tzion and chief judge of Jerusalem, serving until his death. He authored numerous halakhic works, addressing queries from every corner of the world. His writings include the responsa Ma‘aseh Ish and Derekh Ish; Olat Ish and Pnei Ish; Yisa Ish; Simḥah le-Ish; the volume of sermons Ish Emunim (together with Benei Binyamin for his teacher); Krav Ish; Sha’al ha-Ish.