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Two Important Halachic Works by the Maharshal, First Editions – Basel, 1599 * A volume containing two halachic works in the first edition, authored by Rabbi Shlomo Luria, the Maharshal, one of the greatest Ashkenazi sages of all time. The Maharshal, Rabbi Shlomo Luria, (c. 1510–1574) was renowned for the vast scope of his writings — both in halacha (Shu”t Maharshal and commentaries on halachic works), in his Talmudic commentaries (Yam Shel Shlomo), and in his glosses on the Gemara (Chochmas Shlomo). Gedolei Hador wrote of him in extraordinary terms. His younger relative, the Rema, wrote that his words can be trusted “as Moshe’s [words] from the mouth of Hashem” (in his approbation to Chochmas Shlomo). The Chavas Yair likewise wrote: “From [King] Shlomo to Shlomo [Maharshal], there was no one like Shlomo (Shu”t Chavas Yair, Ch. 44). Presented here are two of his halachic works, in their first edition: A – Sha’arei Dura by Rabbi Yitzchak of Dura, with the additions of the Maharshal. First edition. Basel, 1599–1600. Sha’arei Dura is one of the most important sefarim on the halachos of Issur V’Heter. The Maharshal writes regarding it: “In most places, we rule in accordance with the Sha’arim” (Yam Shel Shlomo, Chullin, chap. 8, siman 70), and at times it serves as the sole source for rulings cited by the Rema. In this edition, the additions of the Maharshal were printed for the first time, under the title “Mechonos.” (At the exact same time, a different version was printed in Lublin, in which the Maharshal’s additions were titled “Ateres Shlomo.” See the introduction to Sha’arei Dura, edition of Rabbi D. Dablitzky, beginning of vol. II.) The text of Sha’arei Dura appears in the center of the pages, surrounded by the additions of the Maharshal. B – Amudei Shlomo, the Maharshal’s commentary on the Semag. Basel, 1599–1600. Sefer Mitzvos Gadol (Semag) contains halachic rulings and explanations on the 613 mitzvos and was authored by Rabbi Moshe of Coucy, one of the leading Ba’alei Tosfos of the 13th century. The Maharshal’s commentary to the Semag, known as Amudei Shlomo, was printed here for the first time. It is one of the most important commentaries on this foundational sefer. The work is divided into positive commandments and prohibitions, each with a separate title page. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Both sefarim were printed in the same place and at the same time, after extensive proofreading, by the noted kabbalist Rabbi Eliyahu “Baal Shem” — Rabbi Elia Loanz (d. 1636), one of the sages of Ashkenaz and rav in many communities, including Frankfurt, Worms, Hanau, and others. He became known as “Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem” due to his involvement in practical Kabbalah and the writing of amulets. Rabbi Eliyahu was one of the Gedolei Hador and one of those who gave approbation to the sefer Shefa Tal (Hanau, 1612), together with the Shelah HaKadosh, the Kli Yakar, and other Gedolei Hador. He authored many sefarim on various subjects, including commentary and mussar, Kabbalah, halacha, and more, some of which have been lost. At the conclusion of Sha’arei Dura, Rabbi Eliyahu printed the laws of niddah by Rabbi Yitzchak of Dura, surrounded by a commentary he authored himself. Of particular interest is Rabbi Eliyahu’s statement in his introduction to Sha’arei Dura, where he relates that he copied the entire work “from Ashkenazic script into Latin script, ” so that the non-Jewish printer would be able to understand the glosses. Basel, 1599–1600. Page Count: Sha’arei Dura: 98 leaves. First edition of the Maharshal’s “Mechonos.” Amudei Shlomo: 115; [1], 49 leaves. First edition. Size : 18.2 cm. Condition : Generally good. Hole through dozens of leaves (several holes restored). Stains. Minor loss to the border of the title page of Sha’arei Dura. New binding. Provenance : On the title page of Sha’arei Dura appears the signature of Rabbi Ephraim Gumprich Miller, Av Beis Din of Bingen, grandson of the gaon Rabbi Yehudah Miller, one of the sages of Germany during the 18th century. Several erased signatures. Bibliography: Sha’arei Dura: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 242, notes. Amudei Shlomo: Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod, no. 214, notes.