Bidspirit auction | Sifrei Yessod, first edition: Responsa

Sifrei Yessod, first edition: Responsa of Maharam Galanti. Venice, 1608. With commentaries of the Rishonim on the Talmud - Book of Responsa by the ”Rab HaMusmach”… Moshe Galanti… Rish Metivta and Rish Mata in Safed. Venice, Zoan di Gara Press, 1608. First edition during the author’s lifetime. The book contains responsa and novellae by the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Galanti the Elder, leading sage of Safed in the 16th century, and additional novellae by his son, Rabbi Yedidya. Also printed are ancient commentaries on the Talmud, including: the Ran’s commentary on Tractate Shevuot – Stefansky Sifrei Yessod no. 59; the Ritva’s novellae on part of the first chapter of Tractate Bava Metzia, which some attribute to a different author. See Stefansky Sifrei Yessod no. 54, in the notes. Rabbi Moshe Galanti I – also known as Rabbi Moshe Galanti the Elder [d. after 1612], served from 1580 as the Chief Rabbi of Safed, succeeding Rabbi Moshe of Trani. He was a prominent rabbi, halachic authority, and Kabbalist. A disciple of Rabbi Yosef Karo, he was ordained by him at the age of 22. Besides this main work, he authored Mafteach HaZohar and Kohelet Yaakov (a kabbalistic commentary on Ecclesiastes). 106 leaves, including indices. 27.5 cm. Bright and high-quality paper. Very fine condition. Ancient signatures. Aging stains and a few wormholes. Old half-leather binding, with the book title embossed on the spine.