Sefer Kol Aryeh, containing novellae and discourses on the Talmud by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Charif.

Flyleaf with a nice lengthy handwritten dedication from the publisher to the esteemed Gaon Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger.

This unique edition, printed in Jerusalem in 1866 by the Bak Press, features two title pages adorned with illustrations of Jerusalem and the Temple. It includes many important endorsements from prominent rabbis in Jerusalem, Hebron, and from the diaspora, among them: Rabbi Eliyahu Mani of Hebron, Rabbi Meir Leibush (Malbim), Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, Rabbi Yaakov Ettlinger of Altona, and Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin from his time in Kovno, as well as an endorsement from the sons of Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch.

Published by Rabbi Schneur Zalman, son of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the grandson of the author and a leading figure in the Chabad community in Hebron. It was funded by Sir Abdullah Sassoon and his brother, in memory and honor of their father, David Sassoon. In his introduction, the publisher details his mission to the East as a fundraising emissary (Shadar) on behalf of the Chabad community in Hebron, describing his encounters with the Sassoon family, which ultimately led to the printing of this sefer. He also acknowledges the support of Rabbi Nathan Adler, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, and Sir Moses Montefiore. In addition to the large illustrations of the Temple Mount, the city of Jerusalem, and the Cave of the Patriarchs, the book is decorated with the distinctive artwork characteristic of the Bak Press.

The publisher, Rabbi Schneur Zalman ben Rabbi Menachem Mendel Mandelovitch (1804–1885), served as the Chabad community’s emissary in Hebron, traveling across Europe, Kurdistan, Syria, Babylonia, and India. [See references: Yaari, Shluchei Eretz Yisrael, pp. 695–696; also: Rahamim Melamed-Cohen, *Al Zicron Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 2012.] An exceptional scholar, prolific author, and skilled artist and illustrator, he wrote Zikhron Yerushalayim, which contains descriptions of the Jewish community of his time, along with accounts of his travels and the cities he visited.

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.[4], 80 Leaves. 20.5 cm.

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Overall Great condition, worming to a few pages at beginning of sefer slightly affecting text, new brown leather binding.

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Lot #97

Dedication from the Publisher to the Esteemed Gaon Rabbi Akiva Yosef Schlesinger – Kol Aryeh, First Edition, Jerusalem, 1866.

Start price: $300

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