Masechta Moed Katan. With commentary of Rashi and some references from the Mesoreth Hasha’s and Ein Mishpat.

(TALMUD, BABYLONIAN)

Isaac Prostitz

(Cracow

1616)

Complete as issued, without title page.

Vinograd, Cracow 317 (unseen); St. Cat. Bodl. 1409 “ed. hujus…rarissimam.”

RARE. NO COPY IN NATIONAL LIBRARY, JERUSALEM. The third printing of the Talmud in Cracow commenced in 1616 and was completed in 1620. Its petite size was issued for the benefit of students “in order they may acquire [the books] easily and without great expense.” The edition was small and its most distinguishing feature was that it was printed with the commentary of Rashi alone and without the Tosaphoth, thus benefitting the novice, young Talmudist. Issued at a time of great hardship for Polish Jewry, this edition is a testament to the overriding desire for scholarly pursuit, despite grinding poverty and persecution. See M. Heller, Printing the Talmud (1992) pp. 381-90; R.N.N. Rabinovicz, Ma’amar al Hadpasat Hatalmud (1952), pp. 84-5; M. Schwab, Une Edition Rarissime du Talmud, REJ, Vol. LXIII (1912) pp. 300-3.