Bidspirit auction | Cornerstone of Halacha: Teshuvos Noda

Cornerstone of Halacha: Teshuvos Noda B’Yehuda – Both Parts, Prague 1776-1777, First Edition. Personal Copy of R. Yechiel Heller, Author of Amudei Ohr - Teshuvos Noda B’Yehuda, first edition, Prague 1776-77. Printed during the author’s lifetime – R. Yechezkel Landau, with his introduction. Ever since its publication, it has been recognized as one of the classic responsa works, and is found on the bookshelf of every Jewish home.  In his introduction, the author writes that he chose the name “Noda B’Yehuda” as a way to honor his father, who’s name was Yehuda. Likewise, his other works - such as Tzion L’Nefesh Chaya, were named in honor of his mother, Rebbetzin Chaya. Interestingly, in their introduction to Noda B’Yehuda Tinyana, which was printed after his death by his two sons, they write that their father had personally paid for the printing expenses of Noda B’Yehuda and he did not see any profit from it. One can’t help but notice the exceptional print quality and thick paper on which it was printed, which likely cost the Noda B’Yehuda a small fortune.  This copy was owned and used by R. Yechiel Heller, author of Amudei Ohr, who was one of the great Torah Luminaries of Lithuania in the mid-19th century. His personal stamp which he used while serving as Rav of Suvalk, is seen on title pages of parts I and II, and on final leaf. It reads: “J. Heller Rabin. Mast. Gub. Suwalk”. In addition, there are multiple inscriptions of flyleaves attesting that he owned this volume. On pp. 12 of part I, there is a marginal gloss written in his own handwriting, although subsequently crossed out. Additional marginal glosses are seen on other leaves.  R. Yechiel Heller (1814-1861), author of Teshuvos Amudei Ohr, which became an instant classic upon its publication in 1856. He was one of the “Three brothers” which were famous all throughout Lithuania. His brother R. Yisroel, commonly known as “R. Yisroel Charif”, was a disciple of R. Chaim of Volozhin and author of Nachalas Yisroel on Shas. His younger brother R. Yehoshua was a friend of R. Yisroel Salanter, and author of the famous Mussar work “Chosen Yehoshua”, which is cited by many, including the late Gaon R. Chaim Kanievsky in his work Orchos Yosher, as a Segulah for Torah learning. R. Yechiel was considered the most famous of all, as he held Rabbinical positions in some of the most prominent cities, such as Volkovysk, Suvalk, and Plugian.    It is not often that we find a Classic responsa work which was owned and used by one of the leading Rabbonim of 19th century Lita.  Like all copies, two holes are seen at the top and bottom of the margins. There holes are the place of the original nails inserted by the printer after printing the book, to keep the pages together before a binding was commissioned by the buyer.  In overall good condition, with signs of wear. Bound in original (?) binding, worn and damaged due to heavy use. Spine partly damaged due to heavy use. Final two leaves detached. Nice, uncut original margins.  Page size: 35cm.  Part I: [2], 86, [9] pp.  Part II: [1], 157 pp.