Chidushim [Halachic novellae]

BACHRACH, MICHAEL B. SHMUEL ZANVEL (DAYAN OF PRAGUE)

Prague

1752-89

Manuscript on paper. 156 leaves( two pages loose). In a fine 18th century Aschkenazic cursive script with additional marginalia by the author

AN IMPORTANT UNPUBLISHED WORK BY ONE OF THE GREAT SCHOLARS OF THE 18TH CENTURY. The author was a grandson of R. Yair Chaim Bachrach, the author of Teshuvoth Chavoth Yair. Contains a poetic introduction signed by the author, followed by commentaries on various Talmudic and Halachic subjects. Includes: Mishnah Keilim, tractates in Zeraim and Kodashim, Talmud tractates Berachoth, Eiruvin, Chulin; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer, and Choshen Mishpat. The final five leaves contain pilpulim delivered to the “Bnei HaYeshiva” on Rosh HaShana and Pesach. The author was fond of these Holiday lectures. Although they were written in1758-59, he states in a later marginal note that he repeated them at various intervals in 1778, 1788 and 1789. End-paper contains a formula for the relief of toothache