ETTLINGER, YA’AKOV. Shomer Tzion HaNe'eman [periodical]. Issue numbers 1-63....

ETTLINGER, YA’AKOV.
Shomer Tzion HaNe'eman [periodical]. Issue numbers 1-63.

Inscribed and signed by the author on opening blank to R. Yehoshua Heschel Levine of Vilna (see below). Additionally signed by R. Avner Feigelson(?) of Vitebsk.
ff. (2), 128. Browned and stained in places. Contemporary boards, worn. 4to. Vinograd, Altona 262.
Altona: Tammuz 1846 - Cheshvan 1848

A bi-weekly publication spearheaded by one of the leading lights of traditional German Jewry, the periodical Shomer Tzion Hane’eman (Die Treue Zions-Wachter) appeared from 1846-1857. Topics covered ranged from theology, Jewish philosophy, Halachic guidance and religious poetry. Contributions were solicited from rabbis and laymen throughout Europe. Recognizing the power of the printed medium early on, R. Jacob Ettlinger utilized his journal to counter the effects of Reform upon the norms of traditional Jewry, while also providing compelling content for the latter to enhance their religious understanding. The Author (1798-1871) commonly known as the Aruch LaNer on account of his celebrated work, was appointed Rabbi of Altona in 1836 and retained this post until his death. R. Yehoshua Heschel Levine (1818-84), also known as the Aliyoth Eliyahu for his pioneering work on the Vilna Gaon, was a Rosh Yeshivah at Volozhin and was married to R. Chaim of Volozhin’s granddaughter. In his later years, R. Yisrael Salant, founder of the Mussar movement, persuaded him to move to Paris to lead the Orthodox community there.