Rare: Sefer Amudei Sheish – Derashos of the Klei Yakar, Prague, 1617. First Edition. Printed in The Lifetime of The ...

Rare: Sefer Amudei Sheish – Derashos of the Klei Yakar, Prague, 1617. First Edition. Printed in The Lifetime of The Author

Sefer Amudei Sheish, an extremely rare work, written by R. Efraim Luntschitz, author of the Klei Yakar. First edition, printed during his lifetime, Prague, 1618.

This work contains various Derashos given by the Klei Yakar, and is divided into six parts, which he called ‘Amudim’: Amud Hatorah, Amud Ha’avodah, Amud Gemillus Chasadim, Amud Din, Amud Emes and Amud Hashalom. The final three leaves contain additional words of rebuke (Mussar), based on the above chapters. 

Interestingly, although this work was published a mere two years before his death, he writes that it was actually ready for print ten years earlier in 1607, however because of his many obligations he did not find time to print it until 1617. As such, the introduction was actually written in 1607. In it, the Kli Yakar relates fascinating details about his life, the hardships he went through, as well as the period during which he served as Rav of Lviv and later in Prague.  

The final three leaves contain words of rebuke against different “trends” which were happening during his lifetime, which give us a rare glimpse into the day-to-day life during the times of the Klei Yakar. 

Perhaps most striking is a special mention of the Maharal of Prague and the Tosafos Yom Tov who are mentioned by the author (pp. 38): “I see the great benefit of the new Takanah regarding learning Mishnayos after Davening, which was instituted here in Prague by Reb Leib (=The Maharal, who was referred to by R. Leib), which is to learn one Perek of Mishnayos with a Chavrusa after davening. The reward is great, and even for those who cannot learn well can still accomplish this… especially with the new Tosafos Yom Tov commentary… I therefore agree with this new idea wholeheartedly”. (Indeed, the Tosafos Yom commentary was just recently published in 1614, and was printed in Prague). The Klei Yakar was the Rebbi of the Tosafos Yom Tov, as mentioned below. Please refer to the Hebrew description for an exact quote of the text. 

The emblem of the printer is seen on verso of pp. 2, featuring a beautiful woodcut with priestly hand flanked by angels. 

This is one of the rarest works of the Klei Yakar – perhaps even more scarce than Sefer Klei Yakar itself. 

R. Shlomo Efraim Luntschitz (1550-1619), was a leading Rabbi and Torah commentator, best known for his Torah commentary Klei Yakar. He served as the Rabbi of Prague from 1604 until his death in 1619. In his youth, he was a disciple of R. Shlomo Luria (The Maharshal). After leading the Yeshiva in Lviv, R. Efraim was appointed rabbi of Prague. He sat on the rabbinical court of that city with R. Yeshayah Horowitz (the "Shelah Hakadosh"). Among R. Efraim's prominent students were R. Yom Tov Lipman Heller, author of the Tosafos Yom Tov, and R. Shabsai Horowitz, son of the Shelah.

40 pp. Page size: 29.5cm. 

In good condition. A light stain is seen throughout the entire book, not affecting text. Repairs to final leaf, affecting just one letter of text. Occasional tiny, worm holes are seen on some pages, affecting just one letter of text.