Bidspirit auction | Besamim Rosh. First edition. Berlin

Besamim Rosh. First edition. Berlin 1793 - Published by R. Shaul Berlin who stated that he transcribed the 392 Halachic responsa recorded here from an Italian manuscript attributed to Rabbeinu Osher (The Rosh) adding glosses which he entitled “Kasa de-Harsena”. Although initially it was received enthusiastically and even the Noda B’Yehuda wrote a letter upon its publication (printed in the sefer), it was subsequently alleged that the Halachic rulings in the sefer were of a surprisingly liberal bent and were not in accord with to established rabbinical thought. Today there is a significant body of opinion that the ascription to the Rosh was fictitious and the publisher had a hidden agenda: namely the promotion of Haskalah “Enlightenment”. Nonetheless, no less a Halachic authority than R. Akiva Eger quotes from Besamim Rosh, (responsum no. 89), and the matter remains an enigma widely debated by scholars. Rabbinical signature and glosses. Vinograd Berlin 416. Chinuch Ne’arim press. 4, 110, 5 pages. 31.5 cm. Overall fine condition, some staining and wear. Antique binding. Opening bid $200