Bikoret HaTalmud and a Letter from the Author, Rabbi Yechezkel HaLevi, Av Beit Din of Oświęcim (Auschwitz)

Bikoret HaTalmud and a Letter from the Author, Rabbi Yechezkel HaLevi, Av Beit Din of Oświęcim (Auschwitz)

* Bikoret HaTalmud in alphabetical order ... for the elucidation of the foundations of the Oral Torah and its history in general through research and investigation, by Rabbi Ya'akov Yechezkel HaLevi, Av Beit Din of Oświęcim (Auschwitz). Vienna, 1863. Only edition.

On the title page: Part I, yet there were no others printed.

[1] 494, 11 pp, 22 cm.

* Letter from the author, the gaon Rabbi Ya'akov Yechezkel HaLevi. Beuthen, 1864.

The letter was written on the rabbi's stationery, with an embossed stamp, entirely handwritten and signed by him. The letter mentions this book, and also "your friend, Rabbi Epstein" who may enjoy the book - apparently this is referring to the gaon Rabbi Yechiel Michel HaLevi Epstein, author of Aruch HaShulchan.

The gaon Rabbi Ya'akov Yechezkel HaLevi [1814-1865] was born in Hotzenplotz, Silesia. He was appointed in 1846 as rabbi of Oświęcim - which is Auschwitz, where over a million Jews were slaughtered. In 1854, he was appointed rabbi of Beithen in Upper Silesia. A responsum from the Divrei Chaim of Sanz to him attests to his greatness (printed in Divrei Chaim, Even HaEzer 19), in which the Divrei Chaim refers to him - despite his youth - with much honor, and refers to him using terms reserved for rabbinic leaders of the generation: "The rabbi, the great luminary, the sharp and expert M. Yechezkel, Av Beit Din of Oświęcim."

Bikoret HaTalmud: 494 pp. 22 cm.

The letter: [1] leaf paper, 18 cm. Bluish stationery written entirely in his hand and with his signature.

Overall condition: Fine-very fine.