Pene Aryeh with Mile de-Avot
Nowydwok: Anton Kriger, 1787. First printing. Hardcover. 8vo. 58 leaves. Half leather over marbled paper covered boards (marble rubbed off at one of the boards, see below). Lacking Title page. Work by renowned German Talmudist and Rabbi Aryeh Löb Ben Hayyim Kats a.k.a. Breslau. [his last name is often given as Breslau, from his birth place. More on him: See below] "Pene Aryeh" (Lion's Face), a volume of responsa, is distinguished by its logical method and reveals a thorough knowledge of the Talmud. Recognizing the latter work as the highest authority, the author always applied common sense to the elucidation of Biblical and Talmudic precepts. While respecting the post-Talmudic authors, he wrote entirely independently of them and without prejudice. Aside from Talmudic questions, the "Pene Aryeh" also contains answers to other matters, which bring out the author's thorough knowledge of Hebrew linguistics. The style of the responsa is simple and clear, the language being that of the Mishnah with an admixture of pure Hebrew phraseology, without rhetorical flourishes. The work on the whole reveals a serious scholarly mind. (Source: Jewish Encyclopedia). Front board detached but present, with marble completely worn off at front board. Owner's inscription on front endpaper. Backstrip unhinged. First three leaves are loose but present. Moderate rippling and water staining throughout not affecting text. Minor worming on leaves 11-34 with minimal text loss. Pages are browned as expected for books of this kind. In Hebrew. Fair condition. fair. Item #13468
On the author (Source: Jewish Encyclopedia): Breslau, Aryeh Löb Ben Hayyim. German Talmudist and Rabbi; born in 1741 at Breslau, Prussia; died April 22, 1809, at Rotterdam, Holland. He lived at Lissa, Posen, and later at Berlin, where he was an inmate of the bet ha-midrash of the philanthropist Daniel Jafe. From Berlin he went to Emden, Prussia, as city and district rabbi. In 1781 he was called as chief rabbi to Rotterdam. Breslau was highly reputed as Talmudist, as is shown by his many responsa, and by the fact that such celebrated men as Phineas Hurwitz, Isaiah Berlin, and David Tevele Schiff referred Talmudic questions to him. He was also distinguished by his knowledge of the secular sciences. He enjoyed great popularity in Holland, and his reputation was not confined to Jewish circles, but many Christian scholars and theologians were also among his friends. He was buried with great ceremony, many delegates from the various Jewish communities attending his funeral. His memory is still revered among the Dutch Jews. Bet Eked V.3 page 836, item #397.
Price: $150.00