(SHa’CH). Sifthei Kohen [commentary to Yoreh De’ah and to Choshen Mishpat]. Two volumes.

KATZ, SHABTHAI

&

Cracow, 1646

Amsterdam, 1663

Vinograd, Cracow 450 and Amsterdam 307.

RARE FIRST EDITION OF THE SHA’CH, THE MOST IMPORTANT AND FUNDAMENTAL COMMENTARY TO THE SHULCHAN ARUCH. R. Shabthai (Shabse) HaKohen (1621-62) completed his famed work, Sifthei Kohen on Yoreh De’ah when he was only 24 years old. One of the novel features of this work is that it seamlessly incorporated the opinions of major Sephardic sages, who had until now rarely been mentioned in Ashkenazic Halachic decision-making. The printer’s selection for the chronogram on the title of Choshen Mishpat: “The days of the Messiah” underscores the fervor gripping Amsterdam, swept up in preparation for the imminent Redemption led by the false Messiah, Shabthai Tzvi. This edition also contains an approbation signed by a group of rabbinic notables at the Fair of Gramnitz, who were so impressed by the author’s Chidushim, they forbade the publication of any other work on monetary matters during the lifetime of the author. Portions of the work were composed amidst flight from the ravages instigated during the Cossack uprising of Bogdan Chmielnicki.