Bidspirit auction | Classics. Shev Shma’atsa. First Edition.

Classics. Shev Shma’atsa. First Edition. Lemberg 1804. Rare. - Sefer Shev Shma’atsa by R. Aryeh Leib Ha’Cohen Heller. Comprehensive sefer, split into seven sections, each with approximately 25 chapters, concerning intricate halachic topics including the validity of a single witness and the practical ramifications of a doubt. The reasoning process used to analyze and resolve these very basic conflicts and contradictions in the Talmud are the basis for the analytical method used in Talmudic study. In his introduction, the author writes that he wrote this sefer in his younger years. It is said in the name of R. Baruch Ber Leibowitz that it was written prior to his Bar Mitzvah, and legend has it that each of the seven Shma’atsa’s were delivered during his Sheva Brochos. This sefer was received to unprecedented acclaim, and has since been reprinted in close to one hundred editions. Many commentaries have been published on it and it remains one of the most studied works in the Yeshivos to this day. R. Aryeh Leib Ha’Cohen Heller (1745-1813), served as Rav in Rosnitov. He authored various important seforim including Shev Shma’atsa, Avnei Miluim and Ketzos HaChoshen. Frequently known as “The Ketzos”, his seforim had an immeasurable impact and are fundamentals of Talmudic discourse. This first edition includes a lengthy introduction by the Mechutan of the Ketzos, R. Zanvil Leib (R. Shmuel Aryeh Tzahalon), which was omitted from subsequent editions. Stefansky Hebrew Classics 321. Vinograd Lemberg 234. [1], 9, 92 pages. 22.5 cm. Overall very fine condition. Page 35 with small damage, slightly affecting text. Some pages with light print. Hole on the final page affecting a few words. Modern binding. Opening bid $1500