Bidspirit auction | The Foundational Siddur Derech HaChaim

The Foundational Siddur Derech HaChaim by the Nesivos Second Edition with New Additions by the Author! Altona, 1831 * Siddur Tefillas Yisrael for the entire year and festivals according to Minhag Ashkenaz, with Derech HaChaim containing laws and customs by Rabbi Yaakov Lorberbaum, author of Nesivos HaMishpat. Derech HaChaim, first printed in Zolkiew three years earlier, in 1828, was reprinted time and again in countless editions, ultimately reaching hundreds of thousands of copies! The notable edition before us is the author’s Mahadura Tanyana (second edition), distinguished by new additions that the author himself provided to the publisher. These include: · General laws of muktzeh (leaves 69–73) · Laws of Brachos (leaves 188–190) · Corrections and omissions. At the beginning of the sefer is a warm approbation from the Gaon Rabbi Akiva Eiger, who attests to having seen the original letter of additions sent by the Nesivos to the publisher. Rabbi Akiva Eiger himself subscribed to receive the sefer after its printing. A distinguished and attractive copy, printed on high-quality greenish paper. Bound in a fine red leather binding, decorated with gilt floral designs and geometric motifs. Gilded leaf edges. Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried (author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch), a disciple of the author, wrote regarding Derech HaChaim: “It was embraced by all Jewish communities, and due to the affection in which it was held, it has by now been published by nearly every printing press!” In addition to being the ”Mahadura Tanyana” – the Revised Second Edition, this Altona edition is one of the few editions in which no later alterations were introduced. Indeed, the new edition of the siddur published in Bnei Brak in 1987 was based on this edition due to its textual accuracy. Altona, 1831. Printed during the author’s final year (d. 1832). Page Count: [5], 3–285 leaves. Size: 21 cm. Condition: Good, few stains. Luxurious binding as described, slight peeling on the back board and minor wear. Bibliography: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 416, in notes. An additional noteworthy feature of this siddur is that it is the first siddur in which Maseches Avos was printed together with the commentary of the Vilna Gaon (originally published on its own, Shklov 1804). Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 319. This edition is not recorded in Otzar Pirkei Avos (Los Angeles 2016). A Distinguished Copy from the British Rothschild Family On the spine is stamped in gilt letters: A. v. Rothschild This is likely referring to the illustrious philanthropist Sir Anthony Rothschild of London (1810–1867), famed English banker and son of the financier Nathan Mayer (Anschel) Rothschild, founder of the English branch of the prominent Rothschild family. He was a huge supporter of Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael. Upon his passing, a moving eulogy was delivered at the Churva synagogue of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid (Evel Kaved, Jerusalem 1876). Provenance: Rowley’s Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers, UK, 2024.