Fundamental Sefer.
Shu”t Tashbetz. First Edition. Amsterdam, 1738.
Beautiful copy with original colored parchment binding!
Questions and responses by Rabbeinu Shimon bar Tzemach (the Rashbetz).
The Rashbetz numbered among the prominent latter Rishonim in Algeria. He was a disciple of the Ran and a close friend of the Rivash. His handwritten halachic responsa are referenced and quoted by Rabbi Yosef Karo in both Beis Yosef and Shulchan Aruch.
The present item is a rare attractive copy, artistically bound in its original parchment binding. The bookbinders of Amsterdam of that era were master artisans, and they bound this printed edition of the Tashbetz in high-quality dyed parchment bindings that were individually designed and hand-painted so that each bounded work is a singular, original creation. The binding of the present item was painted in shades of orange and gold and adorned with gilded edges. The center of both the front and back of the binding feature an illustration of King David playing the harp and another figure bearing a torch (perhaps Eliyahu Hanavi).
Amsterdam, 1738-1739. First edition. [12], 91 [1], 69, [1] [1], 68, [1] [1], 101, [1] leaves. 4 volumes; 5 title pages. (See Alei Sefer 10 p.119-132 regarding variances in title pages.) Good condition.
Stefansky Sifrei Yesod #270
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Why were the Tashbetz’s sefarim so magnificently bound and preserved?
“I heard that the…Rashbetz’s great work of responsa called Tashbetz was bound in a spectacular, unrivaled binding since he was always meticulous to spread an attractive, high-quality handkerchief upon the sefarim that were open before him when he learned them” (Yafeh Lalev by Rabbi Yitzchak Palagi Vol. 3 Yoreh Deah Ch. 388:103). It is also told that the Rashbetz would dust his sefarim frequently to preserve their cleanliness and splendor.
Harav Chaim Kanievsky shlit”a related that his uncle, the Chazon Ish, once showed him a complete, pristine copy of Shu”t Tashbetz that was free of any signs of damage.
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