D'rush Na'eh - Leaf Handwritten by the Maharal of Prague - Hitherto Unprinted

D'rush Na'eh - Leaf Handwritten by the Maharal of Prague - Hitherto Unprinted
Handwritten leaf (2 written pages), titled "D'rush Na'eh - Parshat Emor". Autograph of the author, R. Yehuda Loew ben Bezalel - the Maharal of Prague. [Moravia, ca. 16th century]. Single leaf of a manuscript (unknown to us today). This is an incomplete section of novellae on Parshat Emor. This section has not been printed. The title D'rush Na'eh which appears at the top of the pages also heads the Maharal's sermons which were printed in his lifetime: Sermon for Shabbat Teshuva 1584 (D'rush Na'eh, Prague, 1584), Sermon for Shabbat HaGadol 1589 (D'rush Na'eh, Prague, 1589). Another sermon printed in his lifetime is the sermon for Shavuot 1593 (Darosh Darash, Prague, 1593). The content of this manuscript is a halachic homily on Parshat Emor regarding the laws of impurity of a Cohen concerning contact with a deceased relative. The style of language is characteristic to the other writings of the Maharal. The expression "I say" which is prevalent in the books of the Maharal is used twice in the manuscript. The Maharal - R. Yehuda Loew ben Bezalel (1512-1609) illustrious Torah scholar served in the rabbinate and headed the yeshivas in Nikolsburg, Posen and Prague. A prominent teacher of R. Yom Tov Lipman, author of the Tosfot Yom Tov, his sons-in-law were R. Yitzchak Katz and R. Eliyahu Luantz, the Ba'al Shem of Worms. A leading rabbi in his days and celebrated Jewish philosopher of all times, his books containing his distinctive cogitation and explanations of Aggadot Chazal were a gift for posterity. Leader of Moravian Jewry, he was known for his ties with non-Jewish kings and for his untiring battle against blood libels. The Maharal is etched in the hearts of the people as a wonder-worker. The stories of the Golem which he created by yichudim and kavanot according to Sefer Yetzira and which was sent by its maker on mysterious missions to thwart the libels agains jews are famous [see Nifla'ot Maharal and many folk tales printed about the Golem of Prague]. Some of his prolific compositions: Gevurot Hashem, Derech Chaim, Netivot Olam, Be'er HaGolah, Tiferet Yisrael, Netzach Yisrael, Or Chadash, Ner Mitzvah, Gur Aryeh on the Rashi commentary on the Torah, Chiddushei Maharal on Talmudic Aggadot and sermons. The Maharal's philosophy which appears in his many writings constituted a basic foundation of Chassidic thought for years to come and his name is revered by Chassidic leaders from the days of the Ba'al Shem Tov. Some of his holy books were reprinted by the Magid of Koznitz and by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv. Leaf written on both sides. Approximately 19 cm. About 46 handwritten lines. Fair condition. Coarse open tears, professionally repaired. Dark stains. Enclosed in a report by an expert on rabbinic manuscripts, identifying the autograph of the Maharal and the importance of its content, confirming that it was not printed in his book of sermons.