Sefer Zichton Yosef, Shut, novellae and sermons by the Gaon Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt, Av Beit Din of Furth. First edition – Furth, 1773. [3], 24, [1], 25-46, 46-67, 67-119, [2] leaves. Stefansky Sifrei Yesod, p. 84 of the additions.
In his lengthy, rhymed introduction he strongly attacks Chassidut, calling it a cult. He writes that “there is no rest from them…they make most of their days holidays…and their prayers hurt the ears…they make various noises…like a monkey to man…G-d save us from them” and more. In most copies, this introduction was omitted or ripped off. Rabbi Steinhardt writes that he was greatly punished for it with the deaths of his children and grandchildren. Some of the responses inside the book are also rhymed.
Stains. Some brown paper. New impressive binding. Good overall condition.
The Gaon Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt (1720-1776) Av Beit Din of Furth. A significant and influential Posek who was considered one of the prominent Gedolei Torah of the Acharonim period. Disciple of the Gaon Rabbi Yaakov Poppers, author of the Shav Yaakov, in Frankfurt. He corresponded with the greatest rabbis of the period, questions were sent to him from Hungary, Italy, Holland, and Switzerland.
He was married three times. Among his disciples were Rabbi Mordechai Bennett, Rabbi Wolf Heidenheim, Rabbi Moshe Tuvya Zundheimer (the Rav of Hanau), and more.
