Sefer Shut Yeshuot Yaakov by Rabbi Yaakov Meshulam Orenstein, Av Beit Din of Lvov, second section of the Orech Chaim.
First edition, Zolkva 1828. [1] 145-276 leaves. Stefanski Yesod 188.
Worming holes and damage, stains from moisture and mold, decay at the edge of pages, antique but eaten leather binding, overall fair condition. This copy demonstrates clearly the hard study for which it was used, evidenced as well by those who owned it (see below). This item also reflects the description of the Jewish people as the “People of the Book”, and shines a light into the Torah world in Europe and the importance of each and every copy.
The copy has yichus of a few generations (passing from one rabbi to another), each of whom notes whom they received it from. It was first owned by the person with an antique signature on the binding leaf: “Moshe Zvi Gottlieb residing now at Desh”—
Rabbi Moshe Zvi Gottlieb, son of Rabbi Yehiel Michal, son of Rabbi Yaakov Gottlieb the well-known rabbi of Khust and Bajom (Biharnagybajom) in Hungary. Rav Moshe served as the Shoel u’Bodek in Desh and died in 1910 and is buried in the Mt. of Olives.
Dedication in Rashi script on the binding leaf, testifying that the copy was sold to
Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Auschpitz of Desh, author of the work “Eshel Avraham” on the Torah (printed in Desh in 1930 with references to the Admor the Maaglei Tzedek of Desh). Additional handwritten signature by Rav Auschpitz.
A dedication on the title page teaches that the above Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak (even while still a bachur) gave the book as a present to his friend for his wedding. The recipient writes: “I received this sefer kodesh as a present from my beloved friend the bachur … Avraham Yitzhak Auschpitz of Desh…for my wedding on Wednesday Parshat…1881, Hordo”, with the signature next to it—“
Avraham Asher Zelig Stein”, a rabbi (1860-1932) who was the son of Rabbi Moshe Stein (the author of the Beer Moshe). He was the grandson and descendant of the author of the Shulchan Aruch and was later the Av Beit Din of Odoreu (Szatmárudvari) for around 50 pages. He published his father’s book as well (Sighet 1901).
On the back of the binding leaf facing the title page, there is calligraphic note taking up the entire page, with a long dedication from the above rabbi to his brother, Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Zvi Stein, for his wedding. The writer does not spare any praise and well-wishes. It was given in 1888 and based on the signature it seems there father had already passed away.
The bottom of the dedication has a note in pencil from the above brother, stating that he was giving the book as a present to his brother’s son-in-law without noting the name. Later, in pen, the recipient wrote: “These lines testify that I received this wonderful and respected book…from my friend the rabbi Chaim Hirsch…Avraham Wieder, 1941, Tammuz.” This refers to
Rabbi Baruch Avraham Wieder, son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Asher Zelig Stein (the above) and who inherited his place in the rabbinate of Odoreu. He was a talmid chacham and ‘negotiated’ with the gaon of Simleu on halachic matters, and a letter from him appears in the Shut Lechem Shlomo. A few years later the writer of this dedication perished in the Shoah, 1944.
The binding leaf has a stamped signature: “Menachem Mendel Stein”—probably a member of the same family, we did not search thoroughly for information about him.
Lone notes in the body of the work, we did not examine the handwriting to establish authorship.
