Super-commentary on Rashi on the Torah by R. Judah Leib ben Obadiah Eilenburg (16th cent.). R. Eilenburg served as rabbi in Brisk-Litovsk, succeeding R. Naphtali Herz in c. 1570. R. Eilenburg was also a member of the Va’ad Arba Aratzot, his name appearing on takkanot (decrees) issued by that organization. The title page has an architectural frame and states that it is an explanation of Rashi’s commentary on Humash written by the gaon R. Judah Leib ben Obadiah, Rosh Mesivta and av bet din of Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), Lithania. He delved with wisdom and his broad intelligence to explain the words of Rashi requiring clarification. Also included is the entire commentary of the gaon R. Solomon Luria (Maharshal). Every citation from him states at the end of the passage, these are the words of the Maharshal. Furthermore, he has “open rebuke and hidden love” (cf. Proverbs 27:5) with R. Elijah Mizrahi, so that each and every word in its manner and in its place should come in peace. The page is followed by Eilenburg’s introduction, in which he states that Rashi’s words, in many places, are closed, sealed, and deep, so that most who look into his commentary go through “crooked back paths” (cf. Judges 5:6). He praises Mizrahi for going through many sources and bringing the commentary to light. However, he brings those sources in excessive detail until it is almost impossible to learn the weekly Torah reading week by week so that people cannot fulfill their obligation. Eilenburg concluded, therefore, that it, “is time to act for the Lord” (Psalms 119:126) so that he condensed Mizrahi’s words, making them easier to learn in a weekly time frame. Eilenburg writes that he also brings other commentaries, such as that of the Hizkuni, R. Isserles, and others, which he has heard from his rabbis, particularly R. Bezalel, who was a student of the Marharshal. He has found many citations from the Maharshal, an insignificant minority in disagreement with Mizrahi. Eilenburg also attempts to resolve difficulties raised by Mizrahi on Rashi. The text follows, in two columns in rabbinic type.

Hebrew Description

והוא ביאור על פי' רש"י על החומש חברו ... ר' יהודה ליב בן הר"ר עובדיה (איילינבורג) ז"ל ר"מ ואב"ד דק"ק בריסק דליטא ... גם כלולים בו כל ביאורי הגאון מהר"ר שלמה לוריא ז"ל, ובכל מקום שהביא דבריו כתב בסוף אותו דיבור מהר"רשל. גם יש לו תוכחת מגולה ... עם מהר"רא מזרחי ...