Ashlei Ravrevei, Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah, with the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna. Horodna, 1806. First edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna. Title page printed in red and black.
This is the first edition of the commentary of the Gaon of Vilna on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah, based on his original manuscript. This edition was brought to print by the sons of the Gaon of Vilna.
A foreword by R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna was printed on the leaf following the title page (with mentions of R. Yisrael of Shklow who assisted in editing the book), followed by a foreword by the sons of the Gaon of Vilna – R. Yehuda Leib and R. Avraham.
The classic commentaries – the Shach and Taz, were not printed in this edition, presumably to save on printing expenses. The commentary of the Gaon of Vilna was printed around the text of the Shulchan Aruch, with Be'er HaGolah on the sides.
Signature of R. "Dov Aryeh --- Ritter, residing here in Prenzlau" on the title page. R. Dov Aryeh (Bernhard Löbel) Ritter Rabbi of Rotterdam (1855-1935), was a prominent Torah leader in Holland. He exchanged correspondence on halachic and communal matters with Torah leaders in many countries. His exceptional erudition led him to expose the forgery of the Jerusalem Talmud Kodashim, and he was the first to publicize essays and letters to this effect. R. Dov Aryeh served as rabbi of Prenzlau, near Lublin, in 1879-1885. He then went to serve as rabbi of Rotterdam, a position he held for some forty years.
23, [1], 24-176 leaves. 34.5 cm. High-quality, greenish paper. Good condition. Stains. Minor worming. Minor tears to title page. Paper repairs to inner margin of title page, slightly affecting text. Stamps. Non-original binding.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 749.
Provenance: The Yeshayahu Vinograd Collection, Jerusalem.