Sefer Machzik Beracha, on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim and Yoreh De’ah, one of the important halachic works written by our latter-day sages. Authored by the great Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida).
The first edition, printed by the Chida during his lifetime. Livorno, 1785, printed by Castilo and Eliezer Saadon. The sefer is in complete form. Both parts in one volume, with an additional section titled "Pe’at HaRosh" at the end.
On the title page, the signature and stamp of the holy and famous Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger.
The holy and renowned Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger (1837-1922), was a disciple of his father, Rabbi Yechiel, who was a student of the Chatam Sofer, and also a student of the Ktav Sofer, the Maharam Schick, and the Machaneh Chaim. He was the son-in-law of the great Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein of Kolomyia. A fierce warrior in the battles of God.
At the beginning of the year 1870, he decided to ascend to the Holy Land. Upon his arrival, he was greatly honored by the leaders of the old Yishuv, who shared with him their hardships and requested his help. Over time, he sought ways to sustain the Yishuv independently from the funds of the halukka, one of which was through purchasing land outside the established settlements and turning them into colonies. He was known for his unique halachic rulings on various matters, rulings that sparked intense controversy for years. He passed away on the 1st of Iyar, 1922. He authored many works, including "Lev HaIvri, " "Na’ar Ivri, " and others.
Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 180. M. Benayahu, Sifrei HaChida 6.
[2], 136, 114 leaves. 29.5 cm.
The author, our master Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai — the Chida [1724-1806], was one of the most unique greats to arise in the Jewish people, and all of Israel, across all sects and communities, revered him. His name is mentioned with awe and reverence to this day. All branches of Torah study merged in the Chida into a rare completeness. He was a rabbi and halachic authority, a divine kabbalist, an extraordinary genius with a phenomenal memory, the author of dozens of seforim written in a clear language, and a renowned emissary across Europe.
The Chida was one of the greatest authors of seforim in all generations, writing over 80 works in all areas of Torah. Each of his seforim reflects his immense genius and profound knowledge. His well-known work Birkei Yosef a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, has had a significant influence on halachic rulings to this day. His seforim were accepted throughout the Jewish world and were highly regarded. Most of his works were written amidst his many responsibilities and travels, with few references at his disposal.
The Chida passed away and was buried in Livorno, but due to circumstances, his remains were later brought to Israel to Har HaMenuchot. The Rishon LeTzion, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, told of open miracles that occurred during the transfer of his holy remains to the land.
Antique Sephardic signature: Shmuel ben Yaakov Altartz.
Antique dedication and signature: Moshe Yehuda Suzin. Possibly a relative of Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Suzin that was one of the leading Charity Collectors and sages of Yerushalayim, and was appointed Rishon Letzion and Chacha Bashi in 1824, after the passing of the holy Gaon, the ‘Chikrei Lev’.
On page 5, there is an antique Sephardic gloss with a signature.
See also lot 109.
Overall Great condition, quality pages, a few stains and water stains, later black cloth binding.
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Lot #92