Shu”t Beit Yosef, Even HaEzer. Rabbinic Pedigree Copy. Mantua, 1730. Second Edition. Only 500 Copies

Shu”t Beit Yosef, Even HaEzer. Rabbinic Pedigree Copy. Mantua, 1730. Second Edition. Only 500 Copies

Responsa and principles of Dinei Nashim on Tur Even HaEzer. Authored by Rabbi Yosef Karo zt”l. At  the end of the book are some responsa of the Beit Yosef’s uncle, Rabbi Yitzchak Karo.

Most rare copy of a limited second edition, which published only 500 copies! The first edition was  printed in Salonika, 1598. When first edition copies had run out, the printing partners decided to  reprint only 500 copies. Each partner would sell half these copies in their locale.

The title page bears a handwritten ownership listing: “Lichvod koni kaniti mehoni hak’ Hillel Ish  Beit Levi Mintz.”  Rabbi Hillel Mintz served as Av Beit Din Leipnik, and then as leader of the Kloiz of Rebbi Lemele  Reingenom of Manheim.

Book also contains antique owner’s stamp: “Avraham…Zvi”.

Additional stamps appear in book: “This book was dedicated to the Otzar HaSefarim of the holy  Yeshiva ‘Chayei Olam’ from the estate of Rabbi Shalom Melamed of Uman”.

Rabbi Shalom Melamed of Uman (d.1943) was Av Beit Din Uman, Russia (Today Ukraine).  He was one of those who signed the Ketav Rabbanut of HaRav Frank. Thousand of volumes from his  library were donated to Yeshivat Chayei Olam. This Yeshiva was established by a number of Chassidic  Rabbis in 1886 in the Old City, including Rabbi David Biderman and his son Rabbi Moshe of Lelov.

Mantua, 1730. Second edition. Printed by Rabbi Rephael Chaim HaRofeh an Italian Sage, and his  partner Rabbi Avraham of Prague.

On the title page it states: Reprinted in a beautiful print, he should read them, and not make  mistakes due to missing letters…”

[1], 66 [should say 67] leaves. 30 cm. Good condition.