Sefer Ya’aros Devash – The Classic Derashos of R. Yehonasan Eibeschutz, Karlsruhe 1779-82, First Edition

Sefer Ya’aros Devash – The Classic Derashos of R. Yehonasan Eibeschutz, Karlsruhe 1779-82, First Edition

Sefer Ya’aros Devash, the fundamental Sefer of Derashos from Rav Yehonasan Eibeschutz. First edition, printed in two volumes. The first volume came out in 1779, followed by volume two which came out in 1782. These Derashos were brought to print by R. Yehonasan Eibeschutz’s disciple and nephew, R. Yaakov, and have become perhaps the most fundamental Sefer Derush ever since its publication. 

Volume I consists of Derashos given by R. Yehonasan while serving as the Rav of Metz, a position he held for nine years, beginning in 1741 until 1750.

Volume II was published a few short years later, as mentioned above, and consists mainly of Derashos from the time he served as Rabbi of the “Three Kehillos” – Altona, Hamburg and Wandsbeck, from 1750 and onwards. It was during this period that the controversy between R. Yehonasan and R. Ya’akov Emden (The Yaavetz) had begun. 

Printed with the sacred approbation of the Sha’agas Aryeh, as well as leading Rabbonim who were disciples of R. Yehonasan Eibeschutz. 

First edition of the enormously influential Sefer Derush. Ya’aros Devash has been reprinted in many editions, and is quoted in thousands of works which have been printed since its publication.  

R. Yehonasan Eibeschutz (1690-1764), the preeminent leader of all Jewry during his lifetime and author of many works which are used until today. He is perhaps most famous for his works on the Shulchan Aruch (Urim V’Tumim and Kreisi U’Pleisi), as well as his Sefer Derush, Ya’aros Devash. Towards the end of his life, a major controversy arose between him and R. Yaakov Emden of Altona, during which he was accused of Sabbatian practices. R. Yehonasan famously sought the approval of the Vilna Gaon, although he was about thirty years his junior. He response was published in his Sefer Luchos Eidus, in which the Vilna Gaon sides with R. Yehonasan on this issue. 

Two volumes, in good condition. Light stains seen on some pages of volume two. Previous owners marks seen on title page. Bound in modern cloth bindings. 

Volume I, Karlsruhe 1779: [4], 116 pp. 23cm. 

Volume II, Karlsruhe 1782: [4], 116 pp. 23cm.