Chochmat Mano’ach- Supplement to the MaHarshal’s Glosses. Prague 1612. First Print

Chochmat Mano’ach- Supplement to the MaHarshal’s Glosses. Prague 1612. First Print

Very Rare. Glosses and novellae on Shas by Rabbi Hendel Manoach ben R’ Shmaryah.

This is a supplementary book to the MaHarshal’s work, Chochmat Shlomo. The author, therefore, uses the word ‘Chochmat’ in his title too. The author’s son relates in the introduction, that even after the Gemarot were printed in Cracow (and Constantinople) along with the MaHarshal’s glosses, many errors were still present. In his book, Chochmat Mano’ach, the author attempts to rectify this.

Aside from glosses, Chochmat Mano‘ach includes novella and references as does the Chochmat Shlomo. The composition includes Masechet Brachot, and Sidrei Mo’ed, Nashim and Nezikin. Following the commentary on Masechet Pesachim appears a commentary on the Passover Haggadah.

The book is beautifully embellished with decorations, illustrations and numerous borders. The final leaf has an engraving of King David and his harp on each side.

The Vilna Shas edition has the Chochmat Mano’ach appended to it; a clear indication of this composition’s prominence.

Rabbi Hendel Manoach ben R‘ Shmaryah (circa 1540-1612) was a leading Polish Torah sage. He issued many Halachic rulings and co-signed many declarations with the Torah leaders of his era including the Sema, the MaHaram of Lublin, the MaHashah and others. In his latter years, Rabbi Hendel served as Rabbi in Vienna. It was there that he became embroiled in the renowned controversy, The Get of Vienna. Rabbi Hendel together with the Sema arranged a Jewish divorce for an apostate that generated a stormy comeback. The majority of Torah leaders, however, sided with Rabbi Hendel. He authored numerous compositions, most of which were never published.

Signatures and ownership listings in antique, Ashkenazi scripts on the endpapers at the front and back of the book, on the title page, and the second leaf.

Prague, 1612. First print.

147 leaves. 19 cm. Very good condition. Age stains. Lovely, antique, leather-covered wood binding.