Bidspirit auction | First Edition of the Shlah

First Edition of the Shlah HaKadosh - Sefer Shnei Luchot HaBrit – Amsterdam, 1648–1649 [5408–5409] – With Ve’ei HaAmudim by Rabbi Sheftel, Son of the Shlah Sefer Shnei Luchot HaBrit is a foundational classic of Klal Yisroel — an all-encompassing volume filled with Halachic insights, principles of Kabbalah, homiletics, and Mussar, integrating all facets of Torah. The Sefer was received with awe and reverence throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are cited by the great Halachic and Kabbalistic authorities. Many of the great Chassidic masters were deeply attached to the study of the Shlah’s works with heart and soul. The renowned words of Rabbi Yoel Sirkis — the Bach — appear in his approbation to the Siddur Shaar HaShamayim, praising the sanctity of the author and his writings: “The Gaon Rabbi Yeshayah HaLevi, OBM… left behind a blessing in his holy writings, and when we saw and read them, we felt a flow of holiness from the highest realms through every limb of our body. This is a sign that his writings were composed for the sake of Heaven to uplift future generations…” The author of Tosafot Yom Tov wrote in his approbation: “He is a holy and awesome man… surely a spirit from on high rested upon him and was poured upon him from Heaven.” On this very first edition of the Shlah, the Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch relayed a remarkable tradition in the name of the Holy Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk: “When they printed the holy Sefer of the Shlah, even before the printing was completed, people bought it in sections. This sacred Sefer ignited and inflamed the hearts of the Jewish people. But Ein Hora took hold, and during that time occurred the dreadful decrees of 1648–1649.” (Likutei Dibburim, trans. ed., vol. I, p. 50) [2], 521, [1], 44 leaves. 29 cm. Condition: Fair. Staining and heavy wear in parts. Some worming. Title page and several leaves professionally restored. Beautiful new leather binding.