Alfei Menashe, by R. Menashe of Ilya. Vilna, [1822]. First edition. A philosophical work for the purpose of Tikkun Olam. The author's Talmudic novellae, in which he quotes teachings of his teacher the Vilna Gaon, are printed at the end of the book.
Ownership inscription on title page: "R. Eliezer Sofer". Handwritten glosses to several leaves in handwriting of R. Eliezer Sofer, one of them signed with his name. Additional inscriptions.
R. Eliezer Sofer (son of R. Gronam Sofer of Novardok), Rabbi of Zaslawye, author of Be'er Eliezer.

[2], 92 leaves. 17.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Light wear. Small marginal tears to some leaves. Old binding. Wear and damage to binding.

R. Menashe of Ilya (1767-1831), an outstanding Lithuanian Torah scholar, close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. He officiated as the rabbi of Samorgan (Smarhon) for a short time, but left the post in the wake of his opposition to community officials who complied with the Cantonist decree. His original and unique views, focusing on Tikkun Olam, improving the conditions of Russian Jewry and promoting peace, drew much criticism, and some of his works were burnt by his opponents.

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