Pleitas Sofrim. Vilna, 1863
Printed at the behest of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter
Seasonal journal of chiddushei Torah written by Gedolei Yisrael and edited by Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Levine, author of Aliyos Eliyahu.
This was the only journal that was actually published and it is regarded as remarkably rare.
In 1847, Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Levine expressed interest in publishing an anthology of chiddushei Torah by Gedolei Yisrael, albeit his efforts did not meet with success. After the last issue of Hatevunah, a pamphlet of chiddushei Torah by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, appeared in 1861, the latter encouraged Rabbi Yehoshua Levine to perpetuate this project of compiling chiddushim and articles by Gedolei Yisrael and printing them seasonally.
The present journal opens with a letter by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter which he writes words of encouragement to Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel, urges him strongly to publish the pamphlet and promises his assistance.
The first issue appeared in 1863 and was enthusiastically received by the Jewish public and especially Gedolei Yisrael, however this ultimately proved to be the first and last printed issue of the journal. (A second journal was completely prepared for print, yet never published [see Areshet I pps 327-397]).
The present journal is divided into two sections:
Pleitas Sofrim – Previously unknown manuscripts by Rabbis from the era of the Achronim.
Sara L’ne’emanim: Chiddushei Torah by Gedolim of his era.
This anthology encompasses chiddushei Torah and teshuvos by Rabbi Chaim Volozhin (teshuvah regarding an agunah); his talmid Rabbi Dovid Tevil, Av Beis Din of Minsk and author of Nachalas Dovid; Rabbi Yaakov Barit of Vilna; Rabbi Elazar Halevi Ish Horowitz, Av Beis Din of Vienna and author of Yad Elazar and more.
The journal opens with an impressive collection of approbations by the tzaddikim of the time, among them Rabbi Yitzchak of Volozhin; Rabbi Shlomo Eiger; Rabbi Shlomo Kluger; the Malbim; the Aruch Laner; and Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor.
Rabbi Yehoshua Halevi Levine (1814-1884) was a genius and remarkably talented individual who combined his gifts to spread Torah and wisdom to Klal Yisrael. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Eliyahu Zalman ben Rabbi Itzele of Volozhin (son of Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin), and he cleaved to the sacred teachings of the Vilna Gaon and his disciples.
In 1865, at the behest of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, Rabbi Yehoshua journeyed to Paris where he was appointed Rabbi of all Russian migrants to France and served his flock faithfully until his sudden death in 1884. He is renowned throughout the Torah world by the name of his sefer Aliyos Eliyahu, which is one of the most important works written upon the Vilna Gaon and his writings. (For more information, see Katzman, Rabbi Elazar Hakohein. Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Levine, Author of Aliyos Eliyahu. Yeshurun V pps. 742-782; Yeshurun VI pps 700-727).
Vilna, 1863. 8: 12 sides + 2 yellowed flyleaf (with printed material on the flyleaf).
Page Size: 31 cm.
Condition: Complete, in good condition. New binding. Very rare!
