Two Grandiose Works by Rabbi Yosef Shapotshnick, with his Dedication. Among the Largest Hebrew Books in the World!

Two Grandiose Works by Rabbi Yosef Shapotshnick, with his Dedication. Among the Largest Hebrew Books in the World!

Volume that includes two rare and interesting compositions arranged and published by Rabbi Yosef Shapotshnick, an English rabbi. Rare dedication on the inner side of the front binding, handwritten by Rabbi Yosef, to Dr. Munk. His books in general and his dedications in particular are very scarce. The sefer was printed in an especially large format - close to half a meter - undeniably one of the largest Hebrew books ever printed!

* Sha"s HaMasbir al Masechet Berachot. London, 1923. Four title pages.

The sefer consists of hundreds of commentaries, questions and resolutions on Tractate Berachot from all major commentaries. Printed without the gemara text. One title page features a stunning picture by R. Y. Shapotshnick - the author himself! The title page consists of passages of facsimiles of manuscripts by leading rabbis.

[10], 3-52 pp. 45.5 cm.

* Sha"s HaGadol SheBaGedolim al Masechet Berachot. London, 1919. Five title pages.

Like the previous work, this work includes hundreds of commentaries, questions and resolutions on Tractate Berachot from all the major commentaries. Printed with the gemara text. One title page features a beautiful micrograph of the word "ברכות" using a list of tana'im, amora'im and other transmitters of our tradition.

[82] leaf, 55-100 pp. 45.5 cm.

R’ Yosef Shapotshnick’s plans were to establish a huge enterprise with the intention of arranging and printing a new edition of the Babylonian Talmud that would contain all known commentaries in the world!! This surprising idea sparked much interest and gained approbations from gedolei hador. There were three works in total printed by R' Yosef for this project: Sha"s HaGadol SheBaGedolim (1919), Sha"s HaKollel (1921), and Sha"s HaMasbir (1923). These three works deal only with Tractate Berachot. Due to the project's size, it was halted after a short time and no more were printed.

Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of R’ Yosef Shapotshnick.

Overall fine-very fine condition. Minimal stains (substantial stain on one leaf). Wear and small tears in the margins of several leaves. Page cut at the edge of the text in several leaves. Original binding, well-preserved, slightly chafed at the edges. The spine is reinforced with later gluing.