Beit Yosef Chadash, Torah novellae on halachah and aggada, ethics and public matters, by R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger, author of Lev HaIvri. Jerusalem, [1875-1881].
A leather label is affixed inside the binding (apparently, a piece from an earlier binding), embossed with the author’s dedication to Baron Shimon Wolf (Wilhelm Carl) von Rothschild: "Gift in honor of the great Jewish notable, Rabbi Shimon Wolf, Baron von Rothschild - from the author of Lev HaIvri".
The book was printed between 1875 and 1881 in two printing houses. The printing began in the printing house of R. Yoel Moshe Solomon, who refused to continue printing it once he realized the polemic content of the book. The printing was resumed in the HaIvri printing house (owned by R. Yitzchak Goscinny). Parts of the book were distributed before the printing was finished, which resulted in many variations between the few surviving copies of the book. This copy of Beit Yosef Chadash contains the index leaves and the introductions that do not appear in most copies.
The author, R. Akiva Yosef Schlesinger (1835-1922), author of Lev HaIvri, disciple of leading Hungarian rabbis. He was one of the most prominent zealots who fought the Reform and Haskalah movements, and continued this struggle after immigrating to Jerusalem in 1870. He was active in support of the Jewish settlements throughout Eretz Israel, and came into conflict with leaders of the Old Yishuv over his opposition to the methods of the Chaluka (distribution of funds), and over other affairs. His opposition is voiced in the present book, which aroused a fierce dispute, with polemic booklets being published on both sides.
[15], 2-124 leaves. Approx. 28 cm. Good-fair condition. Some dry paper. Stains, tears and wear. Marginal damage to leaves [2-3] of Maftechot HaBayit, with loss of text (repaired with paper). New leather binding.