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A Sacred and Distinguished Copy from the Library of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt – Beis Yosef on Tur Even HaEzer. First Edition Printed During the Lifetime of Maran Rabbi Yosef Karo. Sabbioneta, 1553 - A Sacred and Distinguished Copy from the Library of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt – Beis Yosef on Tur Even HaEzer. First Edition Printed During the Lifetime of Maran Rabbi Yosef Karo. Sabbioneta, 1553. Tur Even HaEzer by Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Asher, surrounded by the commentary Beis Yosef by Maran Rabbi Yosef Karo. Sabbioneta, 1553. First edition, printed under the author's supervision during his lifetime. Title page: Even HaEzer with the commentary of the glory of the generation, Rabbi Yosef Karo... which the scholars have called Beis Yosef. Beis Yosef is the monumental halachic work of Maran Rabbi Yosef Karo on the Arba'ah Turim. In it, he systematically gathered, analyzed, and reconciled the rulings of the Rishonim, laying the foundation for his later masterpiece, the Shulchan Aruch, which became the definitive code of Jewish law for subsequent generations. While residing in Safed, Maran dispatched the manuscript to Italy for publication through his emissary, Rabbi Moshe Ibn Shoshan, as recorded in the colophon: ”...and its printing was undertaken by the scholar Moshe Ibn Shoshan of the city of Safed...” From the Library of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt The present copy belonged to the holy kabbalist, miracle worker, and renowned Rabbi Yitzchak Seckel Leib Wormser (1768–1847), universally known as the Baal Shem of Michelstadt. Rabbi Seckel Leib was among the foremost Torah scholars of Ashkenaz, a disciple of Rabbi Nosson Adler and the Hafla'ah, and a fellow student of the Chasam Sofer. Although a profound talmid chacham, he became especially famous as a kabbalist, miracle worker, and master of practical Kabbalah. His reputation spread throughout Europe, and countless people sought his blessings, amulets, and spiritual assistance. Following his passing, his gravesite in Michelstadt became a celebrated place of pilgrimage, in accordance with his testament that those who prayed there would merit salvation. The Baal Shem's library was among the most important rabbinic collections in Ashkenaz. Tragically, the majority of his books and manuscripts were destroyed in a devastating fire, and only a small portion survived. Consequently, every surviving volume from his library is considered an artifact of exceptional rarity and historical significance. Accompanying the volume is a signed certificate from his descendant, Rabbi Eliezer Turk, confirming that the book remained in the Wormser family through successive generations. Also included is a photographic reproduction of the Baal Shem's own handwritten library list, in which he recorded: ”Tur Even HaEzer with Beis Yosef, ” referring to this very first edition. Provenance The volume descended through the family of the Baal Shem of Michelstadt. Among its later owners was Rabbi Shmuel Strauss (1846–1904), great-grandson of the Baal Shem, a leading figure of the Karlsruhe Jewish community, distinguished philanthropist, and father-in-law of Rabbi Yaakov Rosenheim, founder of Agudath Israel. His ownership stamps, ”Samuel Strauss, Karlsruhe, ” appear throughout the volume. Rabbi Shmuel Strauss was one of the foremost supporters of the Mussar Movement and of Torah institutions in Eretz Yisrael. Through his philanthropy, the famous Strauss Courtyard in Jerusalem was established, becoming one of the principal centers of the Mussar movement and home to Yeshivas Or Chadash as well as residences for leading disciples of the Alter of Kelm. Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 152. Ginzey Yisrael, no. 732. 234 leaves. 35.5 cm. Wide margins. Condition: Fair to good. Minor worming and age stains. Contemporary leather binding, slightly worn.