Sefer Zichron 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.
A gloss handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Berlin and his ownership stamps. Throughout the book, ancient notations of the old Beit Midrash of Shklov and a notation: "זאת נדבת הרב המופלג… ר’ יוסף בהרבני מ’ צבי הירש שנת תק….?".
The author. 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 leading contemporary rabbis, questions being 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.
Bound with Sefer Tavnit ot Yosef, "Chidushei Halachot on some tractates…", a work by Rabbi Yosef Av Beit Din of Tarnogród, the son of Rabbi Avigdor Av Beit Din of Chentshin. First edition, Frankfurt an der Oder, 1752. [2], 58 leaves.
On the title page, a notation handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Berlin indicating that the Chidushim ar eon Sanhedrin, Makot, Bava Kama, Bava Metzi’a, Berachot, Shabbat, Pesachim, Yevamot, Gittin and Kiddushin. In addition, the handwritten signature of Rabbi Akiva ben Rabbi A. Bresler – the Gaon Rabbi Akiva Vertheimer Bresler (passed away in 1829) Rosh Av Beit Din of Altona and the vicinity. Additional signature on the title page: הק’ ליפמן… מטירסדורף…?".
In Zichron Yosef, leaf 80 is missing and leaf 90 was misplaced in the binding. Taping and tears affecting the text, mainly of the first leaves of each book, including the foreword of Zichron Yosef. Stains. Moth perforations and damage. Good-fair overall condition.
