Responsa of Binyamin Ze’ev. Venice 1539. Signatures and dedications on title page.

Responsa of Binyamin Ze’ev. Venice 1539. Signatures and dedications on title page.

Rabbi Benjamin Ze’ev was one of the most prominent Halachic authorities of his generation. This is the first book of responsa that was printed during the author’s lifetime, at his behest.

Rabbi Benjamin Ze’ev of Arta is referred to as ‘Binyamin Ze’ev’ after his renowned magnum opus, entitled ‘Responsa of Rabbi Binyamin’.

Rabbi Benjamin was born in Arta, Greece, circa 1475. He studied under a number of Greece’s Torah luminaries, including his uncle Rabbi Calev.

Rabbi Benjamin was embroiled in a number of Halachic controversies due to his determining a more lenient ruling than his Rabbinical counterparts. Of particular note was the case of an Aguna, a wife whose husband’s status as alive or dead is unconfirmed. Rabbi Benjamin ruled that the Aguna, wife of Moshe Sussi may remarry. This highly controversial Halachic decision was based on a testimony by a non-Jew who incidentally mentioned that fact.

Professor Benayahu notes in his book ‘Approbation and Authorization of Venice Printings page 77-79’ that this edition is ‘The first responsa to be printed during the author’s lifetime and at his prompting.’ The present copy even includes pages 165 to 168 and 298-299, which, per instruction of the ‘Sefer HaZikuk, should be torn apart and removed’.

Venice 1539. Daniel Bomberg.

367, [2], 376-399, 399-575 leaves. 24 cm.

Excellent condition. Thick white paper with wide margins. Title page lightly stained.

Unidentified signatures and dedications on title page.

Otzar Hasefer Database, No. 41416.