Bidspirit auction | Sefer Chafetz Chaim – With

Sefer Chafetz Chaim – With the Inscriptions “Proofread” and “Price of the Book” in the Author’s Own Handwriting – Rare - Sefer Chafetz Chaim, laws concerning the prohibitions of lashon hara and rechilut, by the revered leader of Israel, the holy Gaon Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin, author of the Chafetz Chaim and Mishnah Berurah. Warsaw, [1891]. An exceptionally rare and special copy: The volume bears the inscription “Mugah” [proofread] in the holy handwriting of the author, the Chafetz Chaim. It is particularly rare to find copies of Chafetz Chaim itself bearing his handwritten proofing notation. The book is bound together with three additional works by the Chafetz Chaim: Shemirat HaLashon, Warsaw, 1895; Ahavat Chesed, Warsaw, 1901; and Shem Olam, Warsaw, 1895. The present volume thus brings together four of the Chafetz Chaim’s central works dealing with proper speech, refinement of character, acts of kindness and the service of God. “Mugah” – In the Holy Handwriting of the Chafetz Chaim The exceptional importance of the present copy lies in the inscription “Mugah”, written in the holy hand of the Chafetz Chaim himself. The Chafetz Chaim was known to have been personally involved in the distribution of his books. Copies that were examined after printing can occasionally be found bearing the word “Mugah, ” indicating that the volume had been proofread and checked for printing errors. When identified as being in his own handwriting, these inscriptions provide a direct connection between the individual copy, its author and his personal involvement in the publication of his works. In the present case, the significance is particularly striking: this is not one of the author’s secondary works, but the Chafetz Chaim itself – the work by whose title Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen became known throughout the Jewish world. Copies of this book bearing the word “Mugah” in his holy handwriting are exceptionally rare. Chafetz Chaim – The Book That Became Its Author’s Name Chafetz Chaim was Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen’s monumental undertaking to clarify and codify the laws of lashon hara and rechilut. In this work, he gathered the laws governing forbidden speech, established them upon the sources of the Talmud and halachic authorities, and presented them as an organized and practical halachic system. The book’s influence was immense. It became so universally accepted throughout the Jewish world that the author’s own name was virtually eclipsed by the title of his work, and for generations he has been known simply as “the Chafetz Chaim.” His life’s work was not limited to establishing the laws themselves. In his other writings he repeatedly developed the ethical and spiritual dimensions of guarding one’s speech, refinement of character and obligations between man and his fellow. There is therefore particular significance in the fact that the present volume brings together four of his works, representing several of the central themes to which he devoted his life. Bound with: Shemirat HaLashon, Warsaw, 1895. Ahavat Chesed, Warsaw, 1901. Shem Olam, Warsaw, 1895. The Revered Leader of Israel – The Chafetz Chaim The holy Gaon Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin [תקצ”ח–תרצ”ג], author of Chafetz Chaim and Mishnah Berurah, was one of the foremost halachic authorities and leaders of the Jewish people in recent generations. He founded and headed the Radin Yeshiva, and his works were accepted throughout the Jewish world. Alongside his monumental halachic achievement – foremost among which is the Mishnah Berurah on Orach Chaim – he devoted a substantial part of his life to strengthening the observance of proper speech, faith, kindness and anticipation of the Redemption. His personality was revered by his contemporaries, and books and objects bearing his handwriting or evidence of his personal involvement are regarded as possessing exceptional significance. An extraordinary volume comprising four works by the Chafetz Chaim, headed by Chafetz Chaim itself, bearing the rare inscription “Mugah” in the holy handwriting of the author – tangible testimony to his personal involvement in the proofreading and distribution of his books. Chafetz Chaim. Warsaw, [1891]. 78 leaves. Bound with: Shemirat HaLashon. Warsaw, 1895; Ahavat Chesed. Warsaw, 1901; Shem Olam. Warsaw, 1895. 22 cm. It is rare to find a copy of Chafetz Chaim bearing the inscription “Mugah” in the holy handwriting of the author. Good condition. Brittle paper. First leaves detached. Original binding worn and detached.