Signatures & notations of Rabbi Shmuel Heller Rabbi of Tzfat- Shu"t Perach Mateh Aharon, with the Illustrated Title ...

Signatures & notations of Rabbi Shmuel Heller Rabbi of Tzfat- Shu"t Perach Mateh Aharon, with the Illustrated Title Page. First Edition. Amsterdam, 1703

Sefer Perach Mateh Aharon - responsa, Part I, by Rabbi Aharon HaKohen Perachiah [author of Bigdei Kehunah]. Two parts, first edition. Amsterdam 1703.

Title page illustrated with pictures of Aharon HaKohen and symbols of Kehunah as a hint to the author's name. He was a scion of a rabbinic family of verified kohanim, and served as the rav hakollel of Salonika from 1649 until his passing in 1697.

The title pages of both parts of the book became famous as the most beautiful title pages of all printed books, and they have occupied many scholars.

The top of the title page features the sacred tabernacle, with figures of kohanim in full priestly garments. Underneath are hands spread in blessing, like during the kohens' blessing, and an illustration of washing a kohen's hands. Between the two illustrations on the bottom of the page is an illustration of the author holding the Decalogue and facing the sea, a reference to the port city he served - Salonika.

Many signatures on title page & throughout of the famous Holy Gaon Rabbi Shmuel Heller Rabbi of Tzfat. Marginal notations in his Holy hand.

A Torah genius, Rabbi Shmuel Heller born in 1803, was raised in the home of the Chozeh of Lublin, and following his counsel ascended to Eretz Israel.in 1817 He served as Dayan & later Rabbi of Safed for 60 years from 1841 onwards and was one of the greatest Chassidic leaders in the Land of Israel.

He wielded great influence in setting the public agenda. His rulings and actions reveal a clear trend that placed at its center the Land of Israel and the ancient traditions that represented for him a coveted, pre-exile world. He craved what was perceived as authentic to the Land of Israel and strove to connect with local traditions (See Otzar HaRabanim 19134).

He passed away in Safed on the 22nd of Tevet, 1884. He authored: Taharat HaKodesh, Derech Nesher, Kavod Melachim, Divrei Mishpat, Shivrei Luchot, and others.

Overall in Very Good condition, tear to first 2 pages not affecting text, light stains, marginal worming. Sumptuous full leather binding.