Manuscript of Novellae on Talmudic Subjects by Rabbi Moshe Nachum Wallenstein – First Raavad of the 'Eida ...

Manuscript of Novellae on Talmudic Subjects by Rabbi Moshe Nachum Wallenstein – First Raavad of the 'Eida Hachareidit' in Jerusalem – Bezi, Hungary, 1863
Manuscript notebook containing halachic novellae by R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein, the first head of the beit din of the Eida Hachareidit in Jerusalem. Bezi, Hungary, 1863.
Portion of an alphabetical composition regarding Talmudic principles. Most of the notebook deals with the topics of Yoreh Deah, a small section is devoted to the laws of Shabbat, and a small scattering deals with aggada (Talmudic tales). The beginning of the notebook contains the author's introduction: "The words of the writer: I wish to write what I have comprehended of my study through the grace of G-d, although I am lacking in true depth and understanding, the Torah cannot be studied without innovation, and in at least some of these matters I must have stumbled upon the truth, and if I have done so only once, I will be happy with the singe precious jewel of truth which I have discovered…. Moshe Nachum ben R. Meir, may his light shine." From the headings in the notebook it is evideint that it was written (partially or entirely) during the author's youth in 1863, while he was still living in his parents' home in Bezi, Hungary, before immigrating to Eretz Israel. Most of the pages contain the title "Shilat", the Hebrew acronym of the verse "I place G-d before me always".
R. Moshe Nachum Wallenstein, Raavad of the Jerusalem Beit Din (1841-1922), was a disciple of R. Aharon David Deutch, author of "Goren David", and the Ktav Sofer, from whom he received rabbinical ordination. He was the son of R. Meir Wallenstein, rabbi of Bezi, who was considered among the prominent Hungarian rabbis of his generation. In 1864 he immigrated to Eretz Israel and settled in Jerusalem, where he married the daughter of R. Shimon Deutch (disciple of the Chatam Sofer). Upon the arrival of Maharil Diskin in Jerusalem, R. Moshe Nachum became his close disciple and among the close inner circle of his students. In 1903 he was appointed rabbinical judge in the beit din of R. Shmuel Salant, and in 1908 he became head of the beit din. After the passing of R. Shmuel Salant, the official position of rabbi of Jerusalem remained vacant for over a decade, during which R. Moshe Nachum became the de facto leader of Jerusalem's Orthodox community and its official representative to the government. In 1920, upon the establishment of the beit din of the "Eida Hachareidit", R. Moshe Nachum became Raavad in conjunction with his colleague R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, who served as Gaavad. Portions of his book of halachic responsa were printed in Sefer Bnei Moshe (Jerusalem, 1990).
[41] leaves. 21 cm. Fair condition. Much wear and staining. Tears to 10 leaves, affecting text. Fabric and cardboard binding, torn and worn.