Very likely the first Sefer written after the Talmud. Compiled by R’ Achai Gaon. One of the first Seforim of Halacha.

Venice 1546. Daniel Bomberg press.

Title page with a classic Italian architectural gateway. Opening words of each book of the Chumash are presented in beautifully designed copperplate engraved frames.

Lacking copy. Present are the title page, pages 4-61. Lacking are pages 2-3 & the last page. 29 Cm.

Antique signatures & inscriptions.

The Sefer is a collection of sermons based on questions on the parsha and midrashim, presented in the order of the weekly parsha. It is interesting to note that it is unclear whether Rabbi Achai himself authored these sermons, or if he collected and presented sermons from earlier sources and arranged them in an orderly fashion for use by other rabbis.

In either case, our Rishonim attached great weight to R’ Achai’s words, and wrote that his decisions should be relied upon, as if his words were written in the Talmud (Responsa of the Maharam mi- Rothenburg, No. 310).

One of the first important Seforim of Halacha. First edition.

Fair-bad condition, stains, repaired tears, paper repairs, marginal tear to page 4, worming affecting text. Later binding.


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The First Sefer Composed after the Talmud: She'iltot DeRav Achai Gaon. Venice 1546. First Edition. Printed by Daniel Bomberg.

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