Responsa She’elas Yaabetz by Rabbi Yaakov Emden. 2 Volumes. Altona, 1739-1770
Two-volume set of shailos and teshvuos in practical halachah on a range of topics by Harav Yaakov Emden of Altona. The two volumes of this set were printed over thirty years apart.rim are extremely rare.
In the preface to the first volume of this work, Harav Yaakov Emden himself recounts why he took to signing his name by the acronym ‘Yaabetz.’
“I was called Yaabetz due to the following story: When I was a baby in the arms of my father and master z”l, the genius and chassid Tzvi, I once asked him about his signature, which he wrote merely as ‘Tzv”i’ without noting his father’s name at all. He replied that ‘Tzvi’ is the natural acronym of the name ‘Tzvi ben Yaakov.’ He then added “‘When you are old enough to be wise in Torah and write sefarim and words of wisdom, sign your name in this way: ‘Yaabetz, ’ which is the acronym of ‘Yaakov ben Tzvi.’”
Rav Yaakov Emden served briefly as Av Beis Din in Emden, and after resigning from this position, he would often recite a blessing, “That He did not make me an Av Beis Din!” (Shu”t She’elas Yaabetz Vol. 2 Ch. 168).
Altona, circa 1739-1770. First edition. The dates listed on the title pages – 1739, 1759 – were the years that printing commenced. Volume 1 was completed by 1749; and Volume 2 features responsa from the year 1770. The second volume was published in the printing press he built in his home.
Volume 1: 45, 45-48 [1], 53-166 leaves.
Volume 2: 109 leaves. Page size: 34 cm. Volume 1 has 172 responses which has the numerical value of ‘Yaabetz’; and Volume 2 contains another 200 responsa.
New leather bindings.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Any inquiries about this lot?
