Tractate Chullin. Salonica, Yavetz Press, 1556. Extremely Uncommon Work

Tractate Chullin. Salonica, Yavetz Press, 1556. Extremely Uncommon Work

Tractate Chulin with Rashi's commentary, Tosfot, Piskei Tosfot, Rabbeinu Asher, Peirush HaMishnayot L'Rambam, and Moreh Makom of Mesoret HaTalmud and Ein Mishpat. Salonica, Yosef Yavetz press. [1566]. Uncommonly rare book. Incomplete copy.

After the public burning of the Talmud in Italy in [1553], printer Yosef Yavetz started printing a new edition. He wrote, "I was zealous for G-d, the G-d of Israel, when I saw that the Talmuds were burnt, I said in my heart, it is time to act for G-d." In 1558, he started printing the Talmud in Salonica, however he didn't succeed in printing the entire Talmud. The printing process went through many stages, and there are only 8 known tractates that he merited to print. Solitary copies are found in a few libraries worldwide, and some of these copies are incomplete. (Documentary information included with the lot.)

This is Tractate Chulin printed by Rabbi Yosef Yavetz. It is uncommonly rare. The copy in the National Library is also incomplete. It is missing the title page and the bottom section of the last pages are blemished.

3-163 leaves. 28 cm. Missing: title page, leaves 2, 9, 97, 104-111, 125-131 and 11 leaves at the end with part of Rabbeinu Asher.

Y. Mehlman, Genuzot Sefarim, p. 45-53, #10.

The entire book was professionally restored, other than the first 6 leaves which were professionally filled win, with loss of text. The rest of the leaves in the book are in very fine condition. Minimal aging stains. New, deluxe leather binding.