Olath Yitzchak [Jewish laws in the interogatory “heichi timtza” style].

ISAAC BEN JOSHUA.

n. p.

Prague

1606

FIRST EDITION. Title within historiated woodcut architectural border, including Priestly hands flanked by rampant lions (Yaari’s Printers Marks no. 38). With interesting, former owner’s inscription by Yehudah Leib b. Moshe of Zlotchov, presenting this volume to his newly born grandson.

Vinograd, Prague 145; Mehlman 830.

An unusual, novel collection of 843 riddles and problems covering all facets of Jewish law. The style of riddle is often cryptic and requires lateral thinking. Riddle no. 732, based on Ba’al Hatrumoth, asks: “If one has witnesses as to his actions, he loses - without witnesses, he wins.” Riddle no. 832, based on Reishith Chochmah, asks: “When should a scholar not be “tocho ke’baro” - his inside should not be as his outer appearance (two-faced).” Arranged in order of Talmudic Tractates and later Codifiers, with an index of some one hundred subjects. Despite being printed over 400 years ago, the riddles are as challenging as ever.