Manuscript, Two Halachic Responsa – Autograph of the Kabbalist Rabbi Yeshayahu Bassan – Primary Teacher of the Ramchal

Manuscript [4 leaves], two halachic responsa, by R. Yeshayahu Mordechai Bassan – teacher of the Ramchal. Author's autograph with corrections and additions [Padua or Reggio (Reggio Emilia)? ca. 1720-1730s].
These two responsa were published in his book Responsa Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741; leaves 66-68). Lengthy additions appear on the margins of the second responsum. In the printed edition, the addition is incorporated into the responsum.
R. Yeshayahu Bassan (1673-1739), kabbalist and leading Italian Torah scholar, was the primary teacher of the Ramchal and his defender in the polemic surrounding him. He learnt in his youth in Mantua under the foremost Italian rabbis – the Remez and R. Yehuda Briel. He married the daughter of the kabbalist R. Binyamin HaKohen of Reggio. He served as posek and yeshiva dean in Padua. After his father-in-law's passing, he succeeded him as rabbi of Reggio until his own demise. Of his many writings, only a few responsa were published in Lachmei Toda (Venice, 1741), the rest remaining in manuscript form. His disciple, the Ramchal, was profoundly attached to him, and dedicated his book Leshon Limudim to him.
[4] leaves. Approx. 6 written pages. 21.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Worming.