Noda BiYehuda. Two Parts. First Edition. Foundational Sefer

Noda BiYehuda. Two Parts. First Edition. Foundational Sefer

"And about this orphaned generation, I say: 'For the ways of Hashem are straight, and the righteous shall walk in them, but the Chassidim shall stumble in them'"

(Noda BiYehuda, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 93; see more below)

She'eilot U'Teshuvot Noda BiYehuda, on the four sections of Shulchan Aruch, by the great Gaon of the generation, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau, Av Beit Din of Prague, famously known as the "Baal Noda BiYehuda" after his seminal work. Two parts bound together, each with a separate title page. Prague, 1776-1777. First edition of this highly sought-after foundational work, printed during the author's lifetime.

A Cornerstone of Jewish Halacha

Before us is the first edition of one of the most fundamental halachic works in the Jewish library, which has been accepted across all Jewish communities as a pillar of Halacha throughout the generations. Rabbi Yechezkel Landau is one of the greatest figures to have arisen in Klal Yisrael, to the extent that he became known simply as the Baal Noda BiYehuda, and his personal name was almost forgotten.

The Chida writes in Shem HaGedolim about Noda BiYehuda:

"His responsa are founded upon the pillars of pilpul and profound reasoning, sharp analysis, and vast knowledge… The wise person will recognize from his writings that he was great and exceptional among the sages of his generation, a mighty Torah giant, and a great honor to Israel."

The Baal HaTanya testified:

"The Rav of Prague was unique in his generation in his rulings, and Hashem was with him, as he never erred in his halachic conclusions, always reaching the absolute truth in every matter he ruled upon." (Mofet HaDor, p. 74)

The "L'Shem Yichud" Controversy

In Simanim 90-93 of the first part of the book, the Noda BiYehuda strongly opposes the recitation of "L'Shem Yichud" before performing mitzvot, a practice commonly followed by Chassidim. He writes:

"And about this orphaned generation, I say: 'For the ways of Hashem are straight, and the righteous shall walk in them, but the Chassidim shall stumble in them'."

Despite his opposition to one of the most well-known Chassidic customs, the Noda BiYehuda remained revered even among Chassidim. Chassidic historical sources record that when the Baal Shem Tov was instructed from Heaven that he needed to serve a Torah scholar to complete his soul’s rectification, he specifically traveled to the Noda BiYehuda and presented him with a coal to light his pipe. Additionally, it is said that the Baal Shem Tov remarked about him:

"On this 'Drang' [a tall person—since the Noda BiYehuda was of great stature], one-third of the world stands!"

Among Belz Chassidim, for example, it is customary not to recite "L'Shem Yichud" on the yahrzeit of the Noda BiYehuda, out of respect for his opposition to it.

The Printing Process

The printing began in Adar 1776, as stated on the title page, and was completed in Tevet 1777, as noted in the colophon at the end of the second part. The sections 90-93 in the first part (containing his famous ruling against "L'Shem Yichud") were written in Sivan 1776, meaning they were added months after the printing process had already begun.

On the day of the book’s completion, the eve of Rosh Chodesh Shevat 1777, the Noda BiYehuda delivered a special derasha in honor of the event (Ahavat Tzion, Prague, 1827, Derash 9, sec. 18/2).

A Masterpiece of Printing

The son of the Noda BiYehuda, Rabbi Yaakovka of Brody, wrote about the beauty and splendor of this first edition:

"From the day that the printing press was established in Prague until now, no book has been published with such excellence and beauty as this one."

Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 309.

[1], 86, [9] leaves; [1], 157 leaves. 35 cm.

Condition: Moderate. Extensive wormholes.