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Minhagim is the earliest printed book of Jewish customs. It records the customs of the
Jews of France and Germany for the entire year, encompassing benedictions, prayers and ritual practice. Although based on a number of writers over a period of time, including the geonim, a- primary source is the Siddur of Rashi, which details the customs of medieval French Jewry. R. Hayyim Paltiel (d. 1307), a student of R. Eliezer of Touques, and, perhaps, the Maharam Rothenburg (Meir b. Baruch), and rabbi of Magdeburg, Germany, added the customs of German Jewry, composing a Sefer ha-Minhagim. This work was the basis of R. Klausner's Minhagim. R. Klausner did not, however, simply rework Paltiel's book, but rather added considerable explanatory marginalia of his own.
Within Minhagim customs are given in a straightforward manner, beginning with Selihot (penitential prayers) recited from the conclusion of the Shabbat prior to Rosh Ha-Shanah through the festivals and fast days to Tishah be-Av (9th of Av). Emphasis is placed on those customs dealing with prayer, Torah readings, and the synagogue. It is a basic work on prayers for Shabbat, festivals, including piyyutim (liturgical poems) included in mahzorim. Among the interesting features is that here, for the first time, the prayer, Av ha-Rahamim, for martyrs, is mandated.
This edition, as the title page states, reproduces the text and form of the first printing, completed on 2 Kislev 319 (November 22, 1558) in Riva di Trento. In this edition the text of Minhagim is preceded by a detailed introduction discussing the book. Minhagim is an important and influential work, and, because of it R. Klausner is known as the father of Minhag Ashkenaz.
R. Abraham Klausner (d. 1407/8) was a student of R. Moses of Znaim, and, from 1380, rabbi of Vienna, together with R. Meir b. Baruch ha-Levi (d. 1404). R. Aaron of Neustadt (Blumlein) was his brother-in-law. The books inherent value was enhanced by the fact that Klausner's students included such luminaries as R. Israel Isserlein (Terumat ha-Deshen, Venice, 1519), R. Jacob Moellin (Se/er Maharil, Sabbioneta, 1556), and R. Isaac Tyrnau (Minhagim, Venice, 1566), all of whom drew upon Minhagim for their books, and through them influenced R. Moses Isserles (Rema) in preparing his glosses on the Shulhan Arukh. Klausner also wrote responsa, noted in the responsa of Israel Bruna (c. 1400-1480).
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