Bidspirit auction | Mikra’ei Kodesh – Kabbalistic Work

Mikra’ei Kodesh – Kabbalistic Work by Rabbi Yosef Samiga. Venice, 1586. First Edition - “It shall be considered as though he had engaged in Torah study throughout the entire year, for from the sanctified festivals an influence flows forth upon all the days of the year.” (Author’s introduction) Mikra’ei Kodesh: Part I discusses the commandments of fear and love of God and their foundations; Part II deals with the secrets and reasons underlying the commandments. By the Gaon and Kabbalist Rabbi Yosef Samiga, author of Porat Yosef. Venice, printed by Zuan di Gara, 1586. First edition. Printed during the author’s lifetime, with his introduction. The author was one of the great Torah scholars of his generation. The present work was highly regarded and subsequently appeared in additional editions. His Porat Yosef likewise achieved considerable renown and is cited approximately four times by the Maharsha. The work continued to enjoy extraordinary esteem in later generations. The Minchat Elazar of Munkacs even refers to its author as “one of the Rishonim” – despite the fact that chronologically he belonged to the Acharonim. The Minchat Elazar writes (Vol. III, responsum 31): “In the work Mikra’ei Kodesh by the Gaon Rabbi Yosef son of Rabbi Binyamin Samiga, of blessed memory, one of the Rishonim (printed in Venice in 1586, and this work is cited by the Maharsha and by Sha’ar HaMelech on the Rambam)… And what God-fearing man, upon seeing such grave and awe-inspiring words concerning one who sits in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, emanating from the mouth of a Gaon and great sage of the Rishonim in holiness and purity, would not have his heart tremble?” At the conclusion of the introduction in the present volume, the author makes a remarkable promise: one who studies his book, particularly on the festivals, will be considered as though he had engaged in Torah study throughout the entire year: “This is the reading and study that is proper and incumbent upon the entire congregation of Israel to read on Shabbat, and particularly on the sanctified festivals… and it shall be considered as though he had engaged in Torah study throughout the entire year, for from the sanctified festivals an influence flows forth upon all the days of the year.” The Gaon and Kabbalist Rabbi Yosef Samiga [d. 15 Sivan 5389 / 1629], one of the outstanding sages of his generation, was born in Salonika to Rabbi Binyamin Samiga. He served as Rosh Yeshiva in Padua and later in Venice, where he passed away. He was held in high esteem by the great Torah authorities and is cited, among others, by the Maharsha and by Rabbi Yitzchak Nunes Belmonte in his Sha’ar HaMelech. His celebrated halachic dispute with the Rema MiPano concerning the laws governing the waving of the lulav is well known. He was also involved in the controversy regarding the presumptive priestly status of descendants of anusim, as well as in the affair concerning the lenders of Ferrara. He corresponded in halachah with Rabbi Chaim Shabtai (Responsa Maharach Shabtai, Vol. I, responsum 91; Vol. III, responsum 53). In addition to the present work, Rabbi Yosef Samiga authored Porat Yosef (Venice, 1590), on Tractates Ketubot and Chullin, the relevant laws of the Rif and the Tosafot on these tractates; and Peirush Derech Yamin, a work containing sermons and Kabbalistic teachings. Among his distinguished disciples were Rabbi Chaim Benveniste, author of Knesset HaGedolah, and Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Delmedigo, the YaSHaR of Candia. (See Arzei HaLevanon, p. 1014.) Zuan di Gara Press, no. 82 in the bibliography of books printed by his press. 6, 116 leaves, including the rare final leaf containing the table of corrections. Approx. 19 cm. Fine-quality paper. Condition: Good–very good. Age stains. Antique leather binding, slightly worn.