Three books printed in Fürth in the 18th and 19th centuries – first editions:
• Ir Binyamin Sheni, on the aggadot of the Talmud Yerushalmi, by R. Binyamin Ze'ev Wolf. Fürth, [1722]. First edition.
• Zichron Yosef, responsa and sermons by R. Yosef Steinhardt, Rabbi of Fürth. Fürth, [1773]. First edition.
The author's preface contains sharp criticism of the Chassidic movement.
R. Yosef Steinhardt (before 1700-1776), a leading rabbi of his generation who corresponded with R. Yehonatan Eibeshitz and R. Shaul Rabbi of Amsterdam. A close disciple of the Shav Yaakov of Frankfurt, he served as Rabbi of various cities in Germany and Alsace, and from 1763 as Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Fürth. His wife was noted for her erudition, and she is quoted in this book by her husband.
Inside board, bookplate from library of philosopher Jakob Klatzkin (1882-1948), with his handwritten inscriptions and signature.
• Bigdei Kehunah, responsa and novellae of R. Meshulam Zalman HaKohen, Rabbi of Fürth. Fürth, [1807]. First edition.
Two parts in one volume.
Ownership inscription on title page of first part: "Binyamin son of R. Hirtz Niederhofheim".
R. Binyamin Niederhofheim (1810-1885) was a merchant, exceptional Torah scholar and famed mohel (who circumcised 7,110 children!). A distinguished member of the Frankfurt community contemporaneous with R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, and author of Dinei Milah. A minyan in his home perpetuated the customs of R. Natan Adler of Frankfurt, teacher of the Chatam Sofer, and this became known as the Niederhofheim synagogue. His large private library comprised many rare manuscripts.
3 books. Varying size and condition. Overall good condition. Old bindings.
