Bidspirit auction | Yefeh Toar on Vayikra Rabbah

Yefeh Toar on Vayikra Rabbah – Pedigree Copy with the Signatures of Rabbi David Sinzheim and the Son-in-Law of the Author of Zikhron Yosef. Wilhermsdorf, 1714. - Yefeh Toar, a fundamental and important commentary on Vayikra Rabbah (Torat Kohanim), by the Gaon Rabbi Shmuel Yaffe Ashkenazi. Wilhermsdorf, 1714. Rabbi Shmuel Yaffe Ashkenazi (1525–1595) was one of the leading sages of the Ottoman Empire and rabbi of the Ashkenazic community of Constantinople. A disciple of the Mahari ben Lev and Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz, author of Lecha Dodi, he is best known for his monumental work Yefeh Toar, one of the most important and comprehensive commentaries on the Midrash Rabbah, as well as for his commentary Yefeh Mareh on the Jerusalem Talmud. A pedigree copy bearing the signatures of two distinguished figures in the history of European Jewry: The Gaon Rabbi Yosef David Sinzheim (c. 1737–1812), one of the greatest rabbis of France in the modern era, author of Yad David on the Talmud, and president of the “Sanhedrin” convened by Napoleon. Among the foremost Torah scholars and Jewish statesmen of his generation, he skillfully and wisely confronted attempts to alter traditional Jewish law and practice in France. In his famous eulogy, the Chatam Sofer spoke at length of Rabbi Sinzheim’s brilliance, righteousness, and unwavering adherence to Torah principles despite his close relationship with the French government. Also appearing is the signature of Rabbi Yitzchak Itzik ben Meir Paltzburg, son-in-law of the Gaon Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt, author of the responsa Zikhron Yosef. Rabbi Yitzchak Itzik is mentioned several times in his father-in-law’s writings and in other contemporary Torah sources. His name also appears on the title page of Be’er Yaakov (Fürth, 1767), where he is credited with supervising and preparing the work for publication. [2], 132 leaves. 31.5 cm. Condition: Good. Title page slightly trimmed at the lower margin. Simple binding.