Amudei Golah. Kapust, 1820. Signature of Rabbi Yochanan Hertz Shlank

Amudei Golah. Kapust, 1820. Signature of Rabbi Yochanan Hertz Shlank

Sefer Amudei Golah, better known as 'Sma"k' - Sefer Mitzvot Kattan, by Rabbeinu Yitzchak of Korvil, one of the Ba'alei HaTosafot. Before us is the first edition with glosses and novellae by Rabbi Yehoshua Tzeitlish of Shklov. Approbations from the rabbis of Shklov and Kapust. The title page bears the signature of Rabbi Yochanan Hertz son of Rabbi Mordechai Shlank, disciple of the Chatam Sofer.

The author of the glosses and novellae, Rabbi Yehoshua Tzeitlish of Shklov,  was a disciple of the author of Sha'agat Aryeh. He stood at the Gr"a's side during his dispute with the Chassidim, but also conducted himself with deep respect for the Alter Rebbe of Lubavitch, who likewise cherished him (this could be the reason that this book is printed in Kapust). Of all his works, this is the only one that was printed; the rest were burned in the fire that broke out at his residence near Sklov.

Rabbi Yochanan Tzvi Hertz son of Rabbi Mordechai Shlank was born to his father, Rabbi Mordechai, who was the Chatam Sofer's right-hand-man. He studied with the Chatam Sofer, and after his marriage to the daughter of Rabbi David Teveli Berlin, he ascended to Jerusalem with his father-in-law. Alongside his greatness in Torah, he was one of the founders of Torah and chessed institutions in Jerusalem. He passed away in 1884, and engraved in his tombstone [in Hebrew] is: 'Disciple of the Chatam Sofer z"l.' (Refer to M. A. Z. Kintstlicher, HeChatam Sofer V'Talmidav 188-189.)

[4] 2, 4-6, 93, 51, 40, 39-58 leaves. 18 cm. Greenish paper.

Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Worming perforations. Blemish (from the printing) on leaf 3.

Cropped margins in the final leaves.