Bidspirit auction | Mikra Meforesh” – An Unpublished

Mikra Meforesh” – An Unpublished Autograph Commentary on the Torah by Rabbi Eliezer Lipman Rabinowitz, Grandson of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman of Kopyl, Descendant of the Rema and the Author of Tosafot Yom Tov. Minsk, 1853–1865 - Mikra Meforesh” – An Unpublished Autograph Commentary on the Torah by Rabbi Eliezer Lipman Rabinowitz, Grandson of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman of Kopyl, Descendant of the Rema and the Author of Tosafot Yom Tov. Minsk, 1853–1865. An original unpublished autograph manuscript containing a commentary on the Books of Genesis and Exodus, authored by Rabbi Eliezer Lipman Rabinowitz, son of Rabbi Betzalel Rabinowitz of Kopyl. The elegantly executed handwritten title page bears the title: “Mikra Meforesh – An Explanation of Scripture According to Its Plain Meaning…”, and at its foot the author notes: “In Minsk, I began [writing] in the year 5613 [1853].” The manuscript opens with a lengthy and eloquent introduction, concluding with the author's signature: “Eliezer Lipman, son of the late righteous Rabbi Betzalel, son of the great gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman, Rabbi of the holy community of Kopyl, descendant of the Rema and the gaon, author of Tosafot Yom Tov.” The work presents an original commentary on Genesis and Exodus, written in a neat and highly legible hand, with carefully designed headings introducing each section. On the final page, the author added the note: “Second edition, the year 5625 [1865], ” indicating that he revised the manuscript approximately twelve years after beginning its composition. Rabbi Eliezer Lipman was also instrumental in preserving and publishing the Torah works of his distinguished grandfather. In 1866, he brought to press Kedushat Yom Tov, Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman's novellae on Tractates Zevachim and Menachot, together with responsa exchanged with leading Torah scholars of his generation, including Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin. Rabbi Eliezer Lipman contributed an important introduction to that edition. Later, in 1873, he published Tosefet Kedushah, his grandfather's glosses on the Talmud and the Rif, again prefaced by a lengthy introduction. These introductions reflect his scholarship, distinguished lineage, and deep commitment to preserving and disseminating his family's literary heritage. The present manuscript appears to be the only surviving copy of the author's Torah commentary, which was never published. As such, it is of considerable significance, both as a witness to the author's exegetical method and as an important document relating to the celebrated rabbinic family of Kopyl, whose lineage traces back to both the Rema and the author of Tosafot Yom Tov. 12 handwritten leaves, bound in a large notebook. 17 cm. Handwritten decorative title page and ornamental headings. Good condition. Broken binding.