Bidspirit auction | Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Vienna 1815.

Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Vienna 1815. Special Court Copy With Autograph of R. Eliezer Flekeles of Prague - A beautiful copy of the Chumash in its original binding, Vienna 1815. This historic copy was approved specially for use by the court in Prague, with official approval from the local censor, Carl Fischer. When a Jew needed to take an oath on the Bible, this special edition was used. In the official document found at the beginning of the volume - signed by R. Eliezer Flekeles, it states the process of how it would be done. It was to be opened to page 98, to Parshas Bechukosai, chapter 26 verse 14, which deals with the Tochacha. Presumably, this was to show the severity of taking an oath on the Bible. Verse 14 is starred and identified for this purpose. They also highlighted chapter 19 verse 16, which states the prohibition of swearing falsely.  Interestingly, in his responsa Teshuvah M’Ahava, R. Eliezer Flekeles corresponds with Carl Fischer regarding this very issue of a Jew taking oath in a non-Jewish court at length, see: Teshuvah M’Aahva, (Vol. I, Simman 26).  Also included are handwritten letters from the abovementioned censor for Hebrew books Carolus Fischer and Joshua Pollack. On the following page, we see the signature of R. Eliezer Flekeles, author of Teshuva M’Ahava.  R. Eliezer Flekeles (1754-1826), a foremost disciple of the Noda B’Yehuda, and subsequently one of the leading Torah figures and Rabbinic personalities of Prague. He authored hundreds of responsa, which he published is his classic work, Teshuvah M’Ahavah. It was in this capacity by which he authorized the use of the Chumash in secular courts.  In very good-excellent condition. Bound in original tree-calf leather binding. Printed on thick, white paper. Includes Haftorahs and Chomesh Megillos, with a separate half-title page. Page size: 23cm.  163; [1], 43 pp.