Siftei Kohen - Shach on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah. First Edition. Particularly Rare

Siftei Kohen - Shach on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah. First Edition. Particularly Rare

Extensive and very pleasant elucidation of Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah by Rabbi Shabtai HaKohen Katz. Krakow, 1646.

This book revolutionized halachic jurisprudence. The author brought the book to print when he was only 24 years old. The book provoked a huge halachic storm, and rabbis of Va'ad Arba HaAratzot sat on a bombshell as to whether to rule like him.

On the title page: Printed with the approval of all the geonim of the country, who were effusive in their praise of the virtues of this work, and the virtues of the author and his intent for the sake of Heaven. With the author's preface in the form of an acrostic poem with the first letters spelling out "Shabtai HaKohen, " and a poem by the author's father, with the acrostic "Meir HaKohen."

At the end of the book are words from the author who writes in detail about his toil over proofreading the book. Vowelized alphabetic poem on the last page per the laws of Yoreh Deah.

This is the only book the Sha"ch brought to print! His book on Choshen Mishpat (also included in this auction) was printed posthumously. Since this book was published and until today, the halachahs of Yorah Deah cannot be studied without delving into the words of the Sha"ch.

Particularly rare book due to the Chmielnicki riots in Poland in general and in Krakow specifically.

Owner's notation on the title page.

[1], 2-258, [2] leaf, Approximately 30 cm. Lacking two leaves after the title page bearing words from the publisher and approbations; not from the body of the work.

Stefansky, Sifrei Yessod 162.

Very fine condition with the exception of professional restoration of the title page at the bottom with damage to the text. Aging stains. Minimal worming perforations in individual leaves. New leather binding.