Bidspirit auction | The Komarno Dynasty Signature of

The Komarno Dynasty Signature of the Holy Admor Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno, author of Ben Beisi, on sefer Matzas Shimurim. First Edition. Venice, 1660. The foundational kabbalistic work of Rabbi Nosson Shapira. * This work contains a profound exposition on the mystical meaning of the mitzvos of Mezuzah, Tzitzis, and Tefillin (acronym: MaTZaT), and the kavanos (mystical intentions) of blessings, by the great kabbalist Rabbi Nosson Shapira of Jerusalem. A comprehensive and deep work explaining every detail of these mitzvos according to Kabbalah. The title page bears the autograph of the holy Admor Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarna , author of Ben Beisi: “Eliezer Tzvi [Safr]in  of Komarna, year 5628” [1868] (written in connected form: שנתרכ”ח). Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Safrin of Komarno (1830–1898) was one of the foremost kabbalists among the rebbes of the Ziditchov–Komarno dynasties. The son of the first Rebbe of Komarno, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehudah Yechiel - he received Torah and Chassidus from his father and from his relative, the Sar Beis HaZohar, Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Ziditchov. In 1874, he was appointed Rebbe in accordance with his father’s will. He became widely known through his writings on Chassidus and Kabbalah, including Ben Beisi on the Torah and Tehillim, and Damesek Eliezer on the Zohar. The sefer later came into the hands of his grandson and disciple, the holy Rabbi Pinchas Chaim Teiv of Rozla, whose stamp appears on the verso of the title page. Rabbi Pinchas Chaim Teiv of Rozla (1867–1936,) - son of Rabbi Yehudah Tzvi of Rozla (the second), was a direct descendant of Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Kalov. Renowned for his scholarship and extraordinary knowledge of Kabbalistic literature, he was deeply revered by the Chassidic tzaddikim of his generation. Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Bluzhov referred to him as “a singular figure of the generation, ” and when he visited the Admor known as the Ahavas Yisrael, the latter donned Shabbos attire in his honor. His grandson was the revered Kaliver Rebbe zt”l. The saintly kabbalist Rabbi Nosson Shapira of Jerusalem, commonly referred to by the title of this very work, Baal Matzas Shimurim, was one of the preeminent kabbalists of his era. The Chida honored him with the title “the noble rav, the nasi”, and refers to him alongside the greats in Tov Ayin (siman 8): “The word emerged from the mouths of three mighty ones—the gaon the Rema MiPano, the holy Ir uKaddish Rabbi Nosson Shapira, Baal Matzas Shimurim, and the chassid Rabbi Moshe Zacuto.” In 1655, Rabbi Nosson Shapira traveled to Italy as a shadar (fundraising emissary, ) on behalf of the Jewish community of Jerusalem. During his mission, he published several of his own works, including Tuv HaAretz, Yayin HaMeshumar, and this foundational sefer - Matzas Shimurim. The sefer which was received with great acclaim among the kabbalists. Upon completing his mission, he settled in Reggio, where he passed away in 1666. “Ve’erastich li le’olam” This sefer is the source for the universal custom of reciting the verses of Ve’erastich when wrapping the tefillin strap around the finger (see f. 66a). Venice, 1660. First edition. Page count: 84 leaves. Size: 18 cm. Condition: Some stains and creases. New elegant leather binding.