AZULAI, R. CHAIM YOSEF DAVID / CHIDA. SHA’AR YOSEF, WITH AUTHOR’S DEDICATION. LIVORNO 1756

AZULAI, R. CHAIM YOSEF DAVID / CHIDA. SHA’AR YOSEF, WITH AUTHOR’S DEDICATION. LIVORNO 1756

Novella on Tractate Horayos and halachic responsa by the Chida. The very first
of the Chida’s works to be published. The dedication reads in Hebrew “To the
great scholar, our friend R. Shmayah Seryanhu”. With additional signatures of
various members of the Seryanhu family.
R. Chaim Yosef Dovid Azulai (1724–1806), commonly known by the
acronym Chida, was born in Jerusalem to a rabbinical family. He studied
under R. Yitzchok HaKohen Rapaport, R. Shalom Sharabi, and R. Chaim
ibn Attar (the Ohr HaChaim). At an early age he showed great proficiency
in Talmud and Halacha, and he later mastered all Jewish disciplines from
Kabbalah to bibliography and history. Held in tremendous esteem by
the Jewish community of Chevron, he was appointed to serve as Shadar
(emissary) to raise funds for the impoverished community. In this capacity
he travelled through much of Europe and North Africa, where he was
received with great acclaim. During his travels, he served for a time as Rav
in Egypt and Livorno (Leghorn), Italy, the city where he published his first
work in 1756. A prolific author, he authored almost one hundred works on
a vast range of subjects.
Vinograd Livorno 72. 16, 120, 40 pages. 30 cm. Fair condition, some foxing
and staining, small holes, not affecting text. Original binding, leather spine
(worn).