Bidspirit auction | She’elot u-Teshuvot Pe’er Ha-Dor by

She’elot u-Teshuvot Pe’er Ha-Dor by Rabbeinu Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides). Amsterdam, [1765]. First edition - A seminal and early collection of responsa by the “Great Eagle, ” Rabbeinu Moses ben Maimon—Maimonides, one of the central pillars of Jewish law and thought. Presented here is the first printing of Pe’er Ha-Dor, published in Amsterdam in 5525 [1765]. The volume gathers Maimonides’ replies to a wide range of halakhic and fascinating questions, many of which address issues raised about statements he made in his monumental code, the Mishneh Torah. In these responsa, Maimonides clarifies his positions, sharpens his intent, and reinforces his rulings in response to objections and doubts already voiced in his lifetime. A distinctive feature of this collection is that all the responsa it contains were previously unpublished, not having appeared in earlier compilations of letters and responsa (such as the Constantinople 5277 [1517] edition and others). As such, the work is of exceptional value both for practical halakhic decision-making and for understanding Maimonides’ methodological approach to interpreting and applying his own code. The independent printing of the work, in agiant-format volume, reflects early recognition of its exceptional importance. It is counted among the foundational books for the study of Maimonides and for responsa literature as a whole. 8 pp., leaves ה–י״ד, [1], נ״ו. 25 cm. Wide margins. Condition: Very good. Light age-staining. Worn cardboard binding. Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 362. A handsome copy of a rare first edition—one of the key sources for understanding Maimonides’ rulings and legal thought.