Levush HaOrah, supercommentary on Rashi's commentary on the Torah, by R. Mordechai Yoffe – the Levush. Prague: Chaim son of Yaakov HaKohen, [1604]. First edition, printed in author's lifetime.

Supercommentary of R. Mordechai Yoffe, Rabbi of Posen, the Levush, on Rashi's commentary on the Torah. Comments on Rashi and his commentators the Mizrachi and Maharal.

The device of the printer, Chaim son of Yaakov HaKohen, appears on the verso of the title page. The device of another printer, Yehudah Loewy son of Moshe, an employee of the printing press, appears on the last page.

An illustrated map of Eretz Israel appears on p. 84b, prefaced on the previous page: "This is a drawing of the borders of Eretz Israel according to Rashi's commentary as it has been transmitted to me, and it is true and correct according to Rashi's words as I will explain. And just as we have merited to draw it, so may we merit to see it with our own eyes rebuilt and settled…".

At bottom of title page is a notable ownership inscription, documenting a 17th century Ashkenazic emissary of Jerusalem descended from the Levush. In the inscription he writes that he was in Hamm (western Germany) on the way back to Jerusalem, lodging at the home of an official by the name of R. Yeshayah Yehudah who hosted him generously and held a lottery as a fundraiser for the poor and Torah scholars of Eretz Israel. The inscription is dated Sunday, 12th Cheshvan 1698 and signed "Naftali son of… R. Moshe Yoffe, a grandson of the Levush, a resident of Jerusalem". R. Naftali Yoffe, an emissary of the small Ashkenazic community of Jerusalem in the 1690s, is mentioned by Meir Benayahu, "The Ashkenazic Community in Jerusalem in the Years 1687-1747", Sefunot, pp. 128-131 (Hebrew). Benayahu calls the Ashkenazic settlement of this period one of the most mysterious historical periods of Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel. The small Ashkenazic community of about 40 families was completely devastated after the aliyah of R. Yehudah HeChasid and his disciples in 1701, until the immigration of the disciples of the Vilna Gaon in the early 19th century.

Another signature on title page. Early stamp on p. 90b.

Inside back board, ownership inscription: "Berlin, Wednesday, belongs to… R. Moshe son of R. Elchanan Rosenstein" [R. Moshe Rosenstein, eldest son of R. Elchanan Rosenstein, dayan in Berlin, author of Sidrei Taharah. R. Moshe passed away at the age of 28, predeceasing his father. He was an outstanding Torah scholar, and his father cites him in many places in his Sidrei Taharah. Some of his novellae are printed as glosses in many Mishnah editions].

Lacking [8] of [9] last leaves, with additions and novellae by the author to his Levush HaTechelet and Levush HaChur.

91, [1] leaves. Lacking [8] of [9] last leaves (last leaf with conclusion appears). Approx. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Light wear. Tears, including small open tears to title page, not affecting text, and tears repaired with paper to last leaves. Worming, slightly affecting text. Stamps and handwritten inscriptions. Early binding, with wear and defects.

The map is not recorded in the Eran Laor Cartographic Collection.