Second edition of GRA commentary to Seder Tehorot. Six parts in three volumes, , quarto, 210:174 mm., nice margins, light age staining. A very good copy bound in modern boards, rubbed.

     

Complete set of Mishnei'ot with the volume of Seder Teharot carrying the commentary of R. Elijah ben Solomon Zalman of Vilna (Vilna Gaon, Gra, 1720-97). The Vilna Gaon, among his many accomplishments, was his mastery of kabbalistic literature. The title page is followed by approbations and introduction. The text begins on page one in Rashi letters. Errata on final page.

 

R. Elijah ben Solomon Zalman of Vilna (Vilna Gaon, Gra) is a dominant figure in Jewish intellectual thought, his importance and prestige undiminished, as great today, if not greater, than in his own time. The Vilna Gaon’s extraordinary intelligence, expressed by his expertise in Torah at the age of three, outdistancing his tutors while a young child, his incredible proficiency over the entire expanse of the written and Oral Torah by nine, by which time he was already studying Kabbalah, accompanied by complete piety, are attested to by numerous reputable sources. More than seventy works, encompassing Bible, halakhah, Talmud, and Kabbalah, are attributed to the Vilna Gaon.

 

The study of Mishnah is widespread, whether as an act of piety by saintly individuals, or by groups of unlearned people. For this purpose "societies of mishnah" (Hevrot Mishnei'ot) were and continue to be formed in every observant community. The groups often dedicate the study in memory of a deceased one and recite Kaddish upon completion of the session.

 

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