Sefer Halacha Pesuka, novellae on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, with the text, by Rabbi Todros son of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh of Rivne.

Turka, 1765. The only sefer which received an approbation from Rebbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch.

In this sefer, the only known approbation by Rebbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch, appears. In his endorsement, he writes: “Though my usual practice is to refrain from giving approbations to any sefer, this case is different, as there are new elements here, and it is a work of self-judgment. He shortens the statements of the poskim, and his name reflects his work, as he will teach and issue rulings… and it is worthy to ascend the altar of the printing press…" He concludes his approbation with: “The humble Dov, son of our master, Rabbi Avraham, preacher of the holy congregation of Mezeritch and the holy congregation of Karitz." Alongside the Maggid’s endorsement, the sefer includes endorsements from other leading rabbis of the generation, including the esteemed Rabbi Chaim HaKohen Rapoport, chief rabbi of Lviv.

This composition is a summary of the laws of Yoreh Deah, with a short commentary containing the sources of the rulings, as the Maggid wrote in his approbation: "he summarized the words of the poskim…". The Maggid’s approbation shows the importance he attributed to a book which presents practical halachic conclusions (for this reason, he greatly urged his disciple the Baal HaTanya to compose his Shulchan Aruch).

This is a rare sefer, one of the few printed in the Hebrew press of the city of Turka (in the Lviv region, now in western Ukraine).

The author, Rabbi Todros of Rovna, studied under the Maggid of Mezeritch during the Maggid’s stay in Rovna. The Maggid writes about him in his endorsement: “One of the select few… a distinguished and exceptional scholar, the honored Rabbi Todros, who issues words of Halacha Pesuka…” The Maggid of Mezeritch settled in Rovna after the great Rabbi Yosef Yoska of Rovna (author of Yesod Yosef and Likutei Yosef) influenced him to move there. Later, the Maggid became the rabbi of Rovna. From his seat in Rovna, the Maggid made his travels to visit his teacher, the Baal Shem Tov. In Rovna, students gathered around him to learn from his wisdom, including the righteous Rabbi Leib Sarah’s. After the passing of the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid left Rovna and established his court in Mezeritch.

14, 56 Leaves. 33.7 cm.

Stefansky, Chassidut # 173.


Overall Good- Fair condition, some stains and water stains, marginal corner restorations affecting and missing text, new brown leather binding.

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Lot #188

Halacha Pesuka – The Only Approbation Given by the Maggid of Mezeritch – Turka, 1765. Rare.

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