Bidspirit auction | Commentary on Rashi! By the

Commentary on Rashi! By the Terumas HaDeshen – Venice, 1545 * Explanations on Rashi’s commentary on the Chamisha Chumshei Torah by Rabbi Yisrael Isserlein, author of Terumas HaDeshen. This is the first commentary ever printed on Rashi on the Torah! It predates the commentaries of the Mizrachi and the K’neizel on Rashi. A number of commentaries from the Rishonim on Rashi’s commentary of the Torah are known today; however, many of them have only been uncovered and printed for the first time in recent years. There is great importance in understanding the underlying meaning of Rashi’s concise words in his commentary, as the Shelah HaKadosh writes: “In every single statement of Rashi, there are hidden wondrous matters, for he composed his work with ruach hakodesh.” Rabbi Yisrael Isserlein (1390–1460),  author of Terumas HaDeshen, was one of the greatest Ashkenazic Rishonim and a final authority  of that era. He corresponded extensively with the Maharil, Mahari Weil, and Maharam Mintz, all of whom praised him effusively. The Chida writes about the author: “We have heard… that Rabbi Yisrael Isserlin possessed practical kabbalistic knowledge and in times of trouble and persecution, he performed wonders and saved Klal Yisrael with his wisdom” (Shem HaGedolim, complete edition, 1992, section 402). Second edition. The first edition was printed in Venice in 1519. Venice, 1545. Page Count : 24 leaves. Size : 20.5 cm. Condition : Good. Stains. New English leather binding. Provenance : Lunzer–Valmadonna collection.