Exceptionally Rare Book
Siach Sfunim by Rabbi Eliezer of Karlin. First edition, Zolkova, 1751.
Commentary on the Five Megillos, filled with mussar and Avodas Hashem, by the holy Rebbe, Rabbi Eliezer ben Reuven Kahana of Karlin.
An exceptionally rare book, it has never been offered in public auctions, and even the National Library lacks a complete copy.
The book was warmly received across the Jewish world and has been printed in over fifteen editions, with translations into Yiddish as well.
The holy Rabbi Eliezer Kahana of Karlin (circa 1710–1755) was renowned in his generation as an extraordinarily holy tzaddik and a role model of righteousness and sanctity. According to several sources, he was connected to the Baal Shem Tov and was among his inner circle, even serving as the chazzan for Mussaf on Rosh Hashanah. (See also ‘Imrei Pinchas HaShalem’ by Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, p. 356.)
The Baal Shem Tov arranged a match for Rabbi Eliezer’s daughter, who was raised in the home of the Baal Shem Tov’s close disciple, Rabbi Chaim of Krosno, after Rabbi Eliezer’s passing (Kisvei R’ Yasha Shu’b, p. 42). Rabbi Yisroel of Ruzhin praised Rabbi Eliezer’s fasting practices (Irin Kadishin HaShalem, p. 1603), and the Admor of Zidichov recounted his miracles (Magen Avos, p. 584).
Rabbi Eliezer is mentioned by prominent chassidic masters: Rabbi Shabsai of Rashkov, in his response regarding the inverted “nun’s” in the Torah, in ‘Mishnas Avraham’ (Zhitomir, 1868), Shaar HaTmunos sec. 24; and by Rabbi Moshe of Peshvarsk in ‘Or Pnei Moshe’ (on Megillas Rus). Rabbi Yisroel of Ruzhin also extolled his sefer (Or Yisroel, cited below, note 23).
Each Megillah is uniquely titled:
Shiras Dodim – Commentary on Shir HaShirim
Divrei Reim – Commentary on Koheles
Nitzachon Giborim – Commentary on Esther
Halichos Olam – Commentary on Rus
Emek HaBacha – Commentary on Eicha
Zolkova, 1751. First edition. Pages: [82] leaves.
Size: 19.5 cm.
Condition: Light reconstruction on the first two pages, with slight completion at the bottom left corner of the title page. Newly bound in elegant green leather.
The sefer includes approbations from great luminaries, all praising the author’s greatness:
1. Rabbi Chaim HaKohen Rappaport – Av Beis Din of Lvov (1700–1771), author of Derashos Zecher Chaim.
2. Rabbi Naftali Hertz HaLevi Horowitz – Av Beis Din of Zolkova, a leading Rav of his generation, and colleague of Rabbi Yonasan Eibeschutz (see Luchos Edus 36b). The Pri Megadim sought his approbation for Poras Yosef, as did the kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Ostrer of Brody for ‘Arugas HaBosem’. He granted approbations for many works (see Buber, Kiryah Ne’emana, entry 248).
3. Rabbi Yisroel Isserl – Av Beis Din of Pinsk and Brisk, father-in-law of Rabbi Eliezer, head of the yeshiva in Pinsk, father-in-law of Rabbi Moshe of Berdichev who was the father-in-law of the Admor of Ruzhin.
4. Rabbi Moshe Yaakov of Krakow – Av Beis Din of Apta, a descendant of the author of Maginei Shlomo. In his youth, the renowned Noda BiYehuda (Rabbi Yechezkel Landau) recorded a remarkable Torah dialogue with him during his visit to Apta, as mentioned in ‘Tzelach’ on Pesachim 70b.
5. Rabbi Yehoshua HaLevi Horowitz – Av Beis Din of Jaroslaw, brother of Rabbi Meir of Tiktin (grandfather of the Haflaah and Rabbi Shmuel of Nikolsburg) brother-in-law of the Maaseh Rokeach and son-in-law of Rabbi Shalom Rokeach Ab"d of Tiktin.
6. Rabbi David Ginsburg – Av Beis Din of Alik, uncle of the Shaagas Aryeh.
Additional Notable Marks
On leaf 66b, there is a stamp of Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Avraham Landau of Alik (1890–1966), who was appointed Rebbe by Rabbi David Moshe of Chortkov and was one of the “Yenukahs” (young Rebbes) of Chassidus.
For an extensive biography of the author, see: Or Yisroel (Monsey), issue 73 (Tishrei 5777), pp. 307–312.
Shiras Dodim – Commentary on Shir HaShirim
Divrei Reim – Commentary on Koheles
Nitzachon Giborim – Commentary on Esther
Halichos Olam – Commentary on Rus
Emek HaBacha – Commentary on Eicha
Zolkova, 1751. First edition. Pages: [82] leaves. Size: 19.5 cm.
