Dedication of R. Yehuda Leib Margolies Rabbi of Frankfurt an der Oder - In his Book Tov VeYafeh - Frankfurt an der ...

Dedication of R. Yehuda Leib Margolies Rabbi of Frankfurt an der Oder - In his Book Tov VeYafeh - Frankfurt an der Oder, 1770
Tov VeYafeh, regarding faith and grammar, by R. Yehuda Leib Margolies of Zborov (Zboriv), rabbi of Frankfurt an der Oder. Frankfurt an der Oder, [1770]. Only edition. The book is divided into three "gates": Shaar HaMelech - G-d's unity, Shaar HaTorah - grammar, and Shaar HaTefillah - "regarding prayer and its benefit". Author's dedication in tiny handwriting at the top of the title page: "…the great Torah scholar, astute and erudite… Yehuda Leib Rabbi of Mezeritch… it is a gift sent to you, Yehuda Leib son of R. A.Z. Margolies". The dedication is dated in his handwriting: "Today… first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar, year [---?]. Another signature on the title page: "Moshe son of R. Leib Segal". R. Yehuda Leib Margolies (1747-1811), one of the renowned and leading Torah scholars of his generation. He served as rabbi of Shebreshin (Szczebrzeszyn), Plotsk (Płock), Leslau (Włocławek) and Frankfurt an der Oder (where he succeeded the Pri Megadim), receiving his rabbinical ordination from the Noda BiYehuda. He exchanged halachic correspondence with R. Yaakov of Lissa and other leading contemporary rabbis. He presented before the Gaon of Vilna a large booklet of novellae he had composed to resolve a difficulty on the words of the Mordechai in tractate Shevuot. The Gaon reviewed his deep words in one instant, and immediately responded that there is no question to begin with, since there is a scribal error in the words of the Mordechai (Aliyot Eliyahu, 31b). He authored: Responsa Pri Tevua, Korban Reshit, Or Olam, Beit Middot, Beit Tefillah, Tal Orot, and more. The Noda BiYehuda acclaims him in the approbation he accorded to one of his books: "R. Yehuda Leib son of R. Asher Zelig of Zborov… he was here [in Prague] for a few days, and delivered sermons in several synagogues, and on Shabbat, he preached in the Altneuschul, and I noticed that he has straight reasoning and pure intellect, and also in my home he voiced his thoughts several times… and he draws the hearts of his listeners to fear of G-d through words of mussar which are sweeter than honey, as he is proficient in books like Akeda and Ikrim, therefore it is my duty to publicize his praise". 21 leaves. Lacking last leaf. 15.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Inner margins of title page and last five leaves reinforced with tape. Top of dedication damaged and trimmed. New binding.