(The MaHaRSHa”L). Chochmath Shlomo [corrections and comments on text of the Babylonian Talmud and commentaries of Rashi and Tosafoth]

Luria, Solomon

Isaac Prostitz

Cracow

1582 (or 1587)

FIRST EDITION, Many geometric diagrams

Vinograd, Cracow 78; Mehlman 751; St. Cat. Bodl. 6951,1 (Ed. Rarissima)

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE, INCLUDING EIGHT BLANK LEAVES NOT RECORDED BY VINOGRAD R. Solomon Luria (1510?-1574) was arguably the greatest Polish rabbi of his day - alongside his younger contemporary and relative, Moses Isserles (of whom he was highly critical). The MaHaRSHa"L is appreciated for his precise critical corrections of text, and the clarity and order his brings to the erudite presentation of his novellae. The Chochmath Shlomo records the MaHaRSHa”L's comments as noted in the margins of his personal copy of the Talmud, wherein he critically analyzed Bomberg's text against various Talmudic manuscripts in his posession. These corrections and comments are now a part of all standard Talmudic editions, however later publishers greatly abridged and emended the Chochmath Shlomo removing the publisher's forword, introductions by the Maharsha"l's sons Wolf and Yechiel, approbations and other matter. Regarding some controversy concerning the approbations to this work, see R.N.N. Rabinowitz, Mamar Al Hadfasat Ha-Talmud (pp. 62-63)