(Tur) Yoreh Deah [code of law]

JACOB BEN ASHER

Giovanni Griffio

Venice

1564

Second edition with commentary Beith Yoseph by Joseph Karo. THIS VOLUME FILLED WITH extensive scholarly marginal notes in various Ashkenazic hands from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Various owners’ signatures on recto and verso of title and first leaf of introduction (including an early Rabbi of Apt).

Vinograd, Venice 491.

The unnamed authors of many of the marginal notes in this fascinating volume were clearly rabbinic leaders with significant experience in matters pertaining to Yoreh Deah. Indeed one of them led a yeshiva in his town for he cites a question pertaining to Tolaim (worms) asked by “one of my disciples” (f. 75b). Among some of the more substantive comments see f. 83b where the writer’s teacher is cited: “HaGaon Maharsha’k” (possibly R. Shmuel Koidenover?) Many of the marginalia indicate a high level of scholarship and conclude with the expression: “Think and you will find nachath (pleasure).” << An intriguing volume with much unpublished scholarship residing within. @