Bidspirit auction | Responsa Mayim Chaim, First Edition

Responsa Mayim Chaim, First Edition – Zhitomir 1857–1858 – With the Responsum from the Holy Baal Shem Tov - Responsa Mayim Chaim by the Gaon Rabbi Chaim HaKohen Rapoport, Av Beit Din of Ostroh – Zhitomir 1857–1858 – First Edition – With the Famous Responsum of the Baal Shem Tov – With Approbations from the Great Chassidic Masters: the Holy Rabbi of Opatow, the Holy Rabbi of Chernobyl, and the 'Sar Shalom' of Belz On leaf 25/2 appears a question sent from Mezhibuzh to Rabbi Meir, Av Beit Din of Konstantin (son of Rabbi Yaakov Emden and maternal grandfather of the author), regarding a case of a “Sircha Berya” (lung adhesion in kosher slaughter). The local dayan had ruled the animal kosher, but several community leaders rejected his ruling. Among the signatories of the inquiry: “Yisrael Baal Shem of Tluste” – referring to the Baal Shem Tov. Rabbi Meir's lengthy response is included, in which he supports the objectors and opposes the Mezhibuzh dayan’s ruling. The responsum opens with several lines of reverent praise for the Baal Shem Tov: “Chief among Yehuda and Yisroel, mighty in deeds… source of healing and remedy… the distinguished and famed rabbi, with the Good Name, Rabbi Yisroel…” (The meanings and poetic titles used here have been discussed at length by Chassidic historians.) Both parts of the Sefer are bound together: The first section covers Orach Chaim and Yoreh De’ah, The second section addresses Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat. At the end of the second section is the booklet Otzrot Chaim, with Chiddushei Aggadah and pilpulim on the weekly Torah portions, authored by the writer and his son, the publisher. The responsa also include teshuvot by the author's grandfather and uncles, who were among the great sages of their generations. 42; 76 leaves. Two separate title pages, one for each section. A separate title page also appears at the end for Otzrot Chaim. Excellent condition. New binding.