Olat Yitzchak. Prague, 1606. First Edition.

Olat Yitzchak. Prague, 1606. First Edition.

The book Olat Yitzchak, authored by Rabbi Yitzchak son of Yehoshua. Jewish laws in the interrogatory style of ‘Heichi Timtza’.

A compilation of 843 riddles and questions on all aspects of Halacha. The style of question demand lateral thinking. The riddles are arranges according to Talmudic Tractates and later Codifiers, with an index at the end.

Approbations by: Rabbi Shlomo of Luntschitz, the author of the Kli Yakar and son-in-law of the MaHaral of Prague, as well as Rabbi Yitzchak Katz, the son-in-law of the MaHaral of Prague, printed at the end of the book.

Title page with magnificent wood engravings with the sign of the Star of David, and the printer’s emblem at the bottom of the page. On the page are rampant lions bearing a shield in their front paws, along with the symbol of priestly hands within clouds.

Printed by Mordechai son of Gershom HaKohen of Prague.

The printer’s father, Rabbi Gershom son of Rabbi Shlomo Katz, was the first printer to use the symbol of priestly hands on the title page to indicate his priestly status. He used this symbol from 1518 and onwards. At the end of R. Mordechai Cohen’s life, when the press was managed by his sons, the title pages began featuring the depiction as appears on this title page. The title page of “She’ilot UTeshuvot HaGeonim” (circa 1590), is the first time this lion within pillars, along with the priestly hand symbol was used.

(Hebrew Book Printers Emblems, Abraham Ya’ari, Jerusalem 5704, p. 24 illustration no. 38, and p. 137).

Prague, 1606. First edition.

[14], 9-12, 21-68 leaves. Good condition. Half-leather, renewed impressive binding.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 54908.

Winograd, Prague 145.

Unique, fascinating and rare book.