Chikrei Lev, responsa and novellae on the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, by R. Refael Yosef Chazan. Thessaloniki-Livorno, [1787-1832]. Seven volumes, including first seven parts of the work. First editions of all parts.
The author,
R. Refael Yosef Chazan (1741-1821), a leading Torah scholar of Izmir. Immigrated to Jerusalem in 1813, and appointed Rishon LeTzion in 1815.
The book also contains responsa by the author's sons, R. Eliyahu, R. David and R. Eliezer, his grandson R. Chaim Palachi, and R. Mordechai HaLevi.
Trimmed ownership inscription on title page of volume VI (Part I of Choshen Mishpat): "Purchased by a man --- of days, smallest in the world – Lombroso…" [possibly R. Eliyahu Lombroso, a rabbi of Tunis ca. first decade of 1800s; see: Malchei Tarshish, p. 207].
The seventh volume was the copy of Rebbe Levi Yitzchak Manson of Ozerna, grandson of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin. His stamp appears on the title page: "Levi Yitzchak Manson", with an illustration of a lion in the center (resembling stamps of other rebbes of the Ruzhin
dynasty, including Rebbe Nachum Dov Ber of Sadigura), and another stamp, "Minchat Shai".
Rebbe Levi Yitzchak Manson (1843-1918), son of R. Yosef of Berditchev, son-in-law of Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, in whose company Rebbe Levi Yitzchak grew as a young boy. Served as rebbe in Zavaliv, and later relocated to Ozerna.
Seven volumes. Volume I (Orach Chaim): 2-281 leaves. Lacking first 3 leaves (with photocopy replacements). Volume II (Yoreh Deah, Part I): [1], 339. Volume III (Yoreh Deah, Part II): [1], 156 leaves. Part IV (Yoreh Deah, Part III): [1], 190 leaves. Volume V (Even HaEzer): [1], 189 leaves. Volume VI (Choshen Mishpat, Part I): [2], 275 leaves. Volume VII (Choshen Mishpat, Part II): [2], 176 leaves. 27-29.5 cm. Size and condition varies; few volumes in good-fair condition, most in fair-good condition. Some leaves in several places in fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Traces of former dampness to seventh volume. Tears, including open tears in several places, affecting text, partly repaired with paper (with handwritten replacements to one leaf in first volume). Worming, affecting text (in many places on some leaves), partly repaired with tape. Close trimming, affecting headers of leaves in several places. Stamps. New bindings.
