Milin Derabbanan by Rabbi Yisrael Michelstetter of Nikolsburg. First edition....

Milin Derabbanan by Rabbi Yisrael Michelstetter of Nikolsburg. First edition. The personal copy of Maran the Chida.

First and important edition with the handwritten signature of Maran Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai.

Talmudic proverbs, alphabetically ordered with a commentary, by Rabbi Yisrael Michelstetter of Nikolsburg.

Maran Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azualai – the Chida [1724-1806]: One of Gedolei Hadorot, Rav and Posek, Mekubal, Gaon, author of dozens of books and a famed Shadar all over Europe.

The son Rabbi Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai (the grandson of the Mekubal Rabbi Avraham Azulai, the author of Chessed LeAvraham) and Mrs. Sarah, the daughter of the Mekubal Rabbi Yosef of Biala, a descendant of the סמ"ע. Since his youth, he was a disciple of the leading sages and Mekubalim of Jerusalem and he is mentioned as the disciple of Rabbeinu Chaim Ben Atar – the Or Hachaim Hakadosh.

In 1753, he went on his first journey as a Shadar [rabbinic emissary] on behalf of the Hebron community, a journey that lasted almost five years and during which he traveled through the cities of Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. During this journey, his Torah began to dawn and many leading rabbis recognized his greatness, his appearance leaving a significant mark wherever he went. Approx. twenty years later, in 1773, the Chida went on another journey as a Shadar of Hebron community. This second Shlichut also left its mark wherever he went. At the end of his journey, he decided to settle in Livorno, Italy, where he published most of his books.

The Chida was one of the most prolific authors of all generations, writing over 80 works on all subjects of the Torah, each one of them reflecting his genius and vast knowledge. His books were accepted and greatly revered by Jews all over the world.

Frankfurt an der Oder, [1781]. The Press of the Grilla Widow. With approbations by the Dayanim of Berlin, the Beit Din Tzeddek of Nikolsburg and more.