Bidspirit auction | Chidushei Ri Migash – First

Chidushei Ri Migash – First Edition of the Chasam Sofer’s Torah Novellae Published During His Lifetime | Copy of Rabbi Yehuda Yerucham Fishel Perla with a Lengthy Autograph Annotation - Chidushei Ri Migash on Tractate Shevuot, by Rabbeinu Yosef Ibn Migash (Ri Migash), together with the novellae of Maharsh”י – Rabbi Shmuel Modigliano, author of Ne’eman Shmuel, and the pamphlet Chidushei Torah u’Teshuvot by Rabbi Moshe Sofer, the renowned Chasam Sofer. Prague, 1826. An especially distinguished copy, formerly belonging to the illustrious gaon Rabbi Yehuda Yerucham Fishel Perla, bearing his ownership stamps and featuring a lengthy handwritten annotation on the words of Ri Migash, opening with the words: “These statements are most astonishing...” This edition is of exceptional importance, being the first appearance in print of Torah writings by the Chasam Sofer during his lifetime. All of his other works were published only after his passing. The volume was edited and printed by Rabbi Mordechai Schlank, who possessed a manuscript of the Chasam Sofer’s novellae. In a letter to Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Chajes, the Chasam Sofer relates that these writings were published without his authorization, yet ultimately remarked: “Its beginning was under compulsion, but in the end it was with my consent.” “I saw him many times as he sat writing his Torah insights; his hands trembled and burned with fervor as he inscribed line after line, all with holiness, care, clarity, and certainty.” [1], 44 leaves. 35 cm. Good condition. Minor defects. Bound together with: Chidushei HaRamban on Tractate Kiddushin, together with the novellae of Maharsh”י (Rabbi Shmuel Modigliano), author of Ne’eman Shmuel, and an introduction to the laws of Yayin Nesech from the Chasam Sofer. Prague, 1826. This volume likewise bears the ownership stamps of Rabbi Yehuda Yerucham Fishel Perla, as well as ownership signatures on the title page and the following leaf. [1], 30 leaves. 35 cm. Good condition. Minor defects. A highly significant and distinguished copy, combining the first edition of the Chasam Sofer’s Torah novellae published during his lifetime with provenance from the celebrated library of Rabbi Yehuda Yerucham Fishel Perla and an extensive autograph annotation in his hand. Rabbi Yehuda Yerucham Fishel Perla (1846–1934) was among the foremost Torah scholars of Poland and, in his later years, one of Jerusalem’s leading rabbinic figures. At the age of fifteen he studied under Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin in Łomża, later continuing at the Volozhin Yeshiva under the Netziv, becoming one of his most distinguished disciples. He subsequently studied in Brisk under Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik. His private library was among the largest and most important in Poland. He is best known for his monumental commentary on Rav Saadia Gaon’s Sefer HaMitzvot, as well as for his scholarly glosses that were printed in the margins of numerous classic works. Describing his manner of writing Torah novellae, Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaKohen Maimon wrote: