The First Sefer Authored by Rabbi Yisroel Meir HaKohen of Radin.
Vilna 1873. First Edition.
Page 23b with marginal correction in the Chofetz Chaim’s Holy hand. The ink of this notation has partly faded.
Only the first edition includes a sentence describing the nature of the sefer on the title page. (See Hebrew description.)
First edition of this revolutionary work; the first book dedicated to the laws of lashon hara – correct speech. The author, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Hakohen, became known as the “Chofetz Chaim” after of this work, though he later authored the monumental Mishna Berurah and more. He printed the book anonymously and the approbations don’t mention his name, however his initials – in Latin letters – were printed at the bottom of the title page.
This is the first sefer authored by Rabbi Yisroel Meir HaKohen of Radin. In his great modesty, Rabbi Yisroel Meir published his first two books, Chafetz Chaim and Shemirat HaLashon anonymously. His name does not appear in the title pages, nor in the Rabbinical approbations or foreword.
The Chafetz Chaim’s son, Rabbi Arye Leib HaKohen, relates that despite travelling himself to sell his books, the Chafetz Chaim refrained from revealing his identity as the author. Nonetheless, in order to remain absolutely truthful, the Chafetz Chaim presented himself as the publisher. With the passage of time, however, Rabbi Yisroel Meir’s identity became apparent to all.
In response to his son’s query why chose to remain anonymous, the Chafetz Chaim’s responded that his composition was not published in his own merit, rather in the merit of the Jewish people.
5, [1], 8-81 Leaves. 22 Cm.
Stefansky Sifrei Yesod 209.
Flyleaf with ownership inscription of R. Eliezer Schwartz of Świsłocz, signed: Israel Isaac Schwartzberg (author of Sefer Shevilei Ha’yahaduth Be’Angliyah-The Path Of Judaism In England).
Very Good condition, clean white paper, title page detached, light age stains, original binding rubbed, front cover detached.
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Lot #99