Shnei Luchot HaBrit (Shlah), ethics and fear of G-d, kabbalah and halachah, by R. Yeshayah HaLevi Horowitz; with Vavei HaAmudim by his son R. Sheftel Segal. Amsterdam: Immanuel Benveniste, 1648. First edition.

Shnei Luchot HaBrit contains many halachic novellae, kabbalistic principles, homiletics and ethics, and incorporates all realms of the Torah. The book was prized throughout the Jewish world, and its teachings are quoted in the books of leading poskim and kabbalists. Many renowned Chassidic leaders were extraordinarily devoted to the study of the books of the Shlah.

The Bach, R. Yoel Sirkes, notably acclaimed the author and his works in his approbation to the Shaar HaShamayim siddur: "R. Yeshayah HaLevi… left behind blessing in his holy works, and when seeing and reading them we sensed the holiness from high above in all our limbs, and this is the sign that his works were composed for the sake of Heaven, to repair future generations…". The Tosafot Yom Tov writes in his approbation to the siddur: "He is a holy, awe-inspiring man… who was no doubt invested with a heavenly spirit".

Vavei HaAmudim is printed on the final 44 leaves, with a divisional title page.

Handwritten inscription on title page (deleted with ink): "I am Shmuel Abatz".

Short glosses in several places.

[2], 421, [1]; 44 leaves. Leaf [2], with poems, bound out of place, after leaf 4. 31.5 cm. Varying condition of leaves, fair-good to fair. Stains, including many dampstains, especially to Vavei HaAmudim, and traces of former dampness. Tears, including open tears to last leaves, slightly affecting text on several pages, repaired with paper. Light worming. Modern binding, leather-coated wood, in early style, with gilt inscriptions (including the name "Iahacob Querido", possibly the name of the owner that had appeared on the original binding), with eight corner decorations and two flower-shaped decorations on front and back of binding, made of brass, and remains of clasps. Minor defects to binding.

Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.