Bidspirit auction | Sefer Yesod: Shu”t Chacham Tzvi.

Sefer Yesod: Shu”t Chacham Tzvi. Amsterdam, 1712. First Edition. * 169 questions and responses, chiddushim and explanations by Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi, Av Beis Din of the Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam. One of the most important works of halachic responsa! In the sefer’s introduction, the Chacham Tzvi relates some of the turbulent experiences of his life and praises the Amsterdam printing press as “unmatched in the country.” Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi (1658-1718) was one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He wandered throughout Europe serving as Rav in many communities, and in his later years served as Ashkenazi Av Beis Din in Amsterdam, until he was forced to leave due to his battle against Sabbatean influences in the city. (See the teshuva regarding Sabbateans in Chapter 13). Many illustrious families and great Torah and Chassidic leaders in subsequent generations descended from him. The Ya’abetz said about his father, the Chacham Tzvi: “Rulings came forth from him as from the Rashba in his generation.” In Chapter 93, Rabbi Ashkenazy deals with a fascinating halachic question regarding counting a golem created through Holy Names as part of a minyan! He mentions his grandfather, Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem of Chelm, who was reported to have created such a golem. He ultimately rules that it cannot be counted in a minyan. Amsterdam, 1712. First edition , published during the author’s lifetime. Page Count : [1], 127 leaves. Size: 28.9 cm. Condition : Good. Strong, quality paper. Several stains. Fine new binding. A handwritten gloss from the first half of the eighteenth century appears on leaf 77a. Bibliography : Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 304.