Teshuvos Chacham Zvi, Amsterdam 1712. First Edition. Personal Copy of The Karnei Re’em and His Son R. Shmuel ...

Teshuvos Chacham Zvi, Amsterdam 1712. First Edition. Personal Copy of The Karnei Re’em and His Son R. Shmuel Shmelke Taubes.

Sefer Chacham Zvi, authored by the famed R. Zvi Ashkenazi and printed during his lifetime. Ever since its publication, it has been sought after as one of the fundamental works for Halachic rulings. This first edition was brought to print by the author himself. In his introduction, he writes that he traveled to Amsterdam specifically to print his responsa, since they were proficient and knowledgeable in the art of printing and were able to produce a beautiful font. Indeed, this work is typeset with a beautiful, clear layout printed on thick, high-quality paper. 

This is the personal copy of the famed R. Aharon Moshe Taubes of Iasi (Yasi) and author of “Karnei Re’em” (1787-1852). His personal autograph is seen on the title page. On the final leaf is the personal autograph R. Shmuel Shmelke Taubes (1808-1895), who succeeded his father as the Rav of Iasi after his death. Many of his Torah thoughts were incorporated into the Vilna Shas together with those of his father. In addition to being a renowned Torah sage, R. Shmuel Shmelke was the father-in-law of R. Modecha’l of Nadvorna, thus being the patriarch of the Nadvorna Chasidic dynasty. As such, R. Shhmuel Shmelke is revered amongst Chasidic Jews around the world today, and many are his descendants. 

The autograph is R. Shmuel Shmelke is very rare. To the best of our knowledge, it has never been offered at auction.

Both Autographs have been examined and verified by renowned expert R. Shmerel Zitronenbaum of Brooklyn, NY.

On the flyleaf is the autograph of R. Shmuel Shmelke Taubes who was the son of R. Yitzchak Eizik Taubes. He was the great-grandson of the Karnei Re’em and Rabbi of Bârlad. Several of his handwritten glosses are seen in the margins. 

Bound in a 19th century binding with a leather spine and marbled boards. We estimate that this is the original binding as used by the Karnei Re’em and his family. Evident wear is seen due to heavy usage. Open tears to first five leaves and several final leaves, not affecting text, repaired with paper. Light water stains on some leaves. Spine worn, partially damaged.

Teshuvos Chacham Zvi, Amsterdam 1712. First Edition.

[1], 127 pp. Approx. 30cm. 

Stefansky Hebrew Classics, 304.