Rosh David. Copy Belonging to Rabbi Yeshua HaLevi. Mantua, 1776. First Edition. The Only Book The Chida Printed in ...

Rosh David. Copy Belonging to Rabbi Yeshua HaLevi. Mantua, 1776. First Edition. The Only Book The Chida Printed in Mantua!

Rosh David, novellae and homilies on the Parshiyot of the Torah. Authored by The Chida, Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai.

On the title page appears a handwritten, cursive signature: “Yeshua HaLevi”.

Chacham Yeshua HaLevi (1836-1906) was born in Tetouan, Morocco. His father, Chacham Yitzchak HaLevi, author of Pat HaLechem was initially his primary teacher as was Chacham Yosef Chaguel. Chacham Yitzchak was famed for his scholarliness as well as his philanthropy.

In 1856 Chacham Yeshua emigrated to Lisbon, Portugal joining the Jewish community his grandfather, Chacham Moshe HaLevi, established in 1807. Chacham Yeshua used his wealth and scholarliness for the benefit of the community, interceding with the authorities on behalf of his brethren. His home was the address for all emissaries (Shadarim) arriving from the Holy Land.

Chacham Yeshua’s book of novellae, Li LiYeshua, was published in Jerusalem, 1883. His other works, Otzar Chaim and Yisa Hashem were printed posthumously.

The only book the Chida printed in Mantua. He published his other books in Livorno (aside from Chomat Oncha which was printed in Pisa).

Mantua, 1776. First edition. “In the wonderful Printing House of the outstanding Doctor, R’ Eliezer Shlomo of Italy yz”v”.

[2], 102, 109-110, 123-137, 139-164; 5 leaves. 29 cm. Good condition. Slight worming. Front cover of binding is detached. Light-colored, quality paper.