Ein Ya'akov. Beit Yisrael. Venice, 1625. Hundreds of Lines of Glosses

Ein Ya'akov. Beit Yisrael. Venice, 1625. Hundreds of Lines of Glosses

Set of two volumes - very early edition of the renowned sefer, Ein Ya'akov, an anthology of all of Chaza"l's aggadot, by Rabbi Ya'akov ibn Chaviv, with many commentaries and novellae printed here for the first time. In this early edition, the first part is called Ein Yisrael and the second part is called Beit Yisrael, because of the censor (see below). Venice, 1625.

* Part I: Ein Yisrael (Berachot-Chagigah).

* Part II: Beit Yisrael (Yevamot-Uktzin).

Following the controversy regarding the Talmud that took place in Italy in the 16th century, the Inquisition in Venice announced that Ein Ya'akov is a work containing apostasy, and it was ruled that it be burned along with copies of the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds. After several years, permission was given for it to be reprinted, but under a different name - Ein Yisrael, due to the pope's having forbidden printing it. Over the years, this work has been printed in dozens of editions that have enjoyed widespread popularity, including groups known as Chevrat Ein Ya'akov that gathered to study the work.

Along both volumes are very lengthy glosses in antique penmanship, in Italian script, and some are exceptionally lengthy. The glosses together reach hundreds of lines of glosses. The content of the glosses has not been examined.

Part I: Ein Yisrael. 4, 195 leaf. There are copies that include Beit Lechem Yehudah and index leaves, which is also printed on its own.

Part II: Beit Yisrael (Yevamot-Uktzin). 190 leaf.

28.5 cm.

Overall fine condition. Aging stains. Worming perforations. Light tears and reinforcements. Elegant new semi-leather bindings.