Kadmut Sefer HaZohar. Kingsburg, 1855

Kadmut Sefer HaZohar. Kingsburg, 1855

Before us is one of the most important books among the books proving the antiquity of the Zohar, first edition printed within a year of the author's passing, including eulogies for the author at the end.

The book was authored by RD"L opposing those who deny the antiquity of the Zohar, and claim that Rabbi Moshe de Leon actually authored the book. It is considered one of the most central works defending the Zohar's antiquity.

There are five "branches" in the book, the first proves that it is not tenable that Rabbi Moshe de Leon was the one who authored the book. The second branch proves that the Early Authorities quoted sayings from the Zohar in the name of the Midrash Yerushalmi. The third proves that the Zohar was composed even before the conclusion of the Talmud. The fourth brings hypotheses that the sayings in the Zohar were written at the time of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his disciples, and the fifth revolves around the claim that at the time of the mishnah, Torah thoughts were written in the holy tongue, and that Aramaic was used only for mundane matters, and it speaks about the language style of the Zohar.

Rabbi David Luria was among the leaders of his generation in Russia. His family was related to the Maharsha"l, a descendent of the Luria family that was related to Rash"i, and from it back to King David. He is considered to be one of the greatest fighters against the Reform. When he was about 40 years old, he was victim of denunciation - that he had called for rebellion against the Russian regime. He was imprisoned for about six months, but was acquitted in the end.

[2] 36, 8 leaves, 20 cm.

Very fine condition, tiny stains on the title page and on the pages.