Shut Mayim Amukim by Rabbi Eliyahu Mizrahi, the Re’em (1435-1526), a Posek Halacha, scientist, and Jewish-Turkish statesman. Chief Rabbi of the Ottoman Empire, Rosh Yeshiva, and one of the main three commentators on Rashi’s commentary of the Torah. With another work by Rabbi Eliyahu ben Chaim, the Ra’anach (ca.1530-1613), one of the rabbis of Turkey, Chacham Bashi, and one of the first Acharonim. Second edition, Berlin, 1778. 104 leaves. Ancient leather bindsing. Moth perforations and damage. Stains. Good-fair overall condition.
Signatures, stamps and ownership notations:
1. "לא"א מ"ו [לאדוני אבי מורי ורבי]
הגאב"ד מהור"ר יוסף העס נר"ו"
2. "
יקותיאל במ"ה פלטי'[אל] שילט".
3. "
נתן הירש ראב"ד ומ"ץ דפה ווענגראוו, בעהמח"ס אסיפת זקנים על ש"ס".
4. "לה"ה הרבני המופלג מו"ה
יקותיאל פולטוסק יע"א".
Rabbi Yosef Hess-Kugelman (d. 1793) author of Ben Porat Yosef. Was born in Hessen, Germany to Rabbi Yechiel Michl Kugelman. In his youth studied at a yeshiva in Furth, where he was known as "Hess" after his homeland. Married the daughter of Rabbi Shmuel Zanvil Ermroit, becoming the brother-in-law of Rabbi Yekutiel Kaufman, a member of the Beit Din of Furth.
Was known for his vast Torah knowledge and his Yirat Shamayim and Chassidut. Since 1776 served as the head of the Dayanim of Furth and in 1779 was chosen as Av Beir Din of Kassel and Hessen. Author of Chidushim on the Shas, Shut and Halachic books, Chidushim on the Torah, the Haftarot and the Torah commentators Rashi, Ramban and the Re’em. Was mostly known as the author of the book Ben POrat Yosef.
