Manuscript on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De’ah, laws of slaughtering, chapters 1-39. By Rabbi Natan HaLevi Horowitz, rabbinical authority of Plotsk. [C. 1810].
Summary of rulings of Shulchan Aruch and rabbinical rulings as well as “Shulchan Aruch HaAdmor”, including comments and Chidushim by writer. He signs many of his comments “N. H.” or “N. HaLevi”. This manuscript is identical to photocopy of responsa letters which Rabbi Natan HaLevi Horowitz exchanged with the Tzemach Tzedek and with Rabbi Y. L. of Yanovich [photocopies appear in book “MiBeit HaGnazim”, pp. 122-126, see attached material].
The righteous Ga’on Rabbi Natan HaLevi Horowitz, among disciples of Shneur Zalman of Liadi and the Mitteler Rebbe (Rabbi Dov Ber of Lubavitch) served in rabbinate of Plotsk approximately between years 1820-1840 and was among greatest rabbis of Chabad. In 1828, upon appointment of the Tzemach Tzedek as leader, Rabbi Natan HaLevi sent him letters containing Halachic questions, the first of which he humbly signed: “Subservient and supportive of… Natan HaLevi son of Cheina”. This letter demonstrates that even one of the greatest senior Chassidim is subservient to the new rebbe and writes to him as student to mentor. As related in book “MiBeit HaGnazim”, the Tzemach Tzedek who refused to receive redemption from his Chassidim until 1830, erased the wording instructing redemption from some of letters of Rabbi Natan [see attached material].
Many glosses on leaf margins, some in handwriting of Rabbi Natan himself, who notes “I have again observed”. Few glosses in more recent handwritings. See, for example, gloss on leaf 66/2). Leaf 61/1 contains notation of death of slaughterer Rabbi Yisrael on 9th of Shvat 1870).
109 leaves, 17.5 cm. Good-fair condition, wear and stains. Fine leather binding.