Responsa of R. Yom Tov Tzahalon (Maharitatz), with novellae on the chapter Eizehu Neshech. Venice: Vendramin, 1694. First edition. Illustrated title page, depicting the Tabernacle on the recto, and the Temple, Shulchan and Menorah on the verso; illustration of the Temple on leaf [4].

Distinguished copy, previously owned by R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai, son of the Chida, whose calligraphic signature appears on the margins of the title page (somewhat damaged).

R. Refael Yeshayah Azulai (1743-1826), Rabbi of Ancona, eldest son of the illustrious R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida, and a great Torah scholar in his own right. Born in Jerusalem, he served as rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who always mentions him with terms of endearment and esteem ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great sage", "the light of my eyes", "beloved of my soul"). After the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona in 1785, the community leaders turned to the Chida, who intimated that his son R. Refael Yeshayah was suitable for the position. He served as Rabbi of Ancona until his passing on 9th Shevat 1826 (at the age of 83, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his community for many days (for further information, see M. Benayahu's book on the Chida, pp. 476-487).

Notations in ink, and several short glosses in Sephardic script.

Various stamps and signatures. On endpaper, ownership inscription handwritten and signed by R. Samuel Schönblum son of R. Binyamin Wolf. On title page and leaves of book, stamps of Schönblum in Hebrew and Latin scripts ["S. S."] and additional stamps. R. Samuel Schönblum of Lviv (1833-1900) was a famous publisher of early books and a dealer in ancient books, who often traveled to Italy to that end.

[4], 223 leaves; 25, [5] leaves. Misfoliation. 28.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Marginal tears to several leaves. Marginal tears to title page, affecting signature of R. Yeshayah Azulai. Marginal open tears to several leaves (not affecting text). Stamps and inscriptions. Old binding, detached and worn.