Only edition. [4], 164 pp. quarto 207:165 mm., light age staining, wide margins. A good copy bound in contemporary boards.

 

Apparently only edition of this commentary on Shir ha-Shirim (Song of Songs) by R. Joseph ben Moses Jaffe (1846-97). It is intended to explain that which is concealed in the song, revealing that which is hidden, according to the pure words of the sayings of the sages and midrashim. There is an introduction from the author in which he informs that it was his desire to first print his work on the difficult laws of questionable tephisa (taking hold, possession) of money. However, he is human and his desire was beyond his capabilities. He continues in this vein and then relates that he was the author of Divrei Yosef, responsa on the four parts of the Shulhan Arukh but due to the great expense he could not afford to publish this work. Planted in the soul of every man is the desire to bring to light the fruit of the thoughts of his heart. R. Jaffe then thought to print novellae on aggadah of value to all, young and old. He had this commentary on Shir ha-Shirim, which is described by the early sages as the holy of holies, which in truth is closed and unclear. He has explained the entire work as a unity, one part suitable to another, with many interconnected discourses, appropriate for many different personalities.He has entitled his commentary Yosef Be’ur for many of his thoughts are original, different form that of many previous commentators, not that it is entierely new but that he has added to and built upon his predecessors. The text follows, comprised of Shir ha-Shirim at the top of the page in vocalized square letters and Yosef Be’ur below in rabbinic letters. Yosef Be’ur is a detailed and expansive commentary on Shir ha-Shirim.

 

Hebrew Description

על מגלת שיר השירים [עם הפנים]... כוננתי ... יוסף יפה חובק"ק פאקראי בן... ר' משה יפה נ"י האבדק"ק גארזד... שנת ב'י'א'ו'ר'י' י'ו'ס'ף' מ'ח'ב'ר'ו'