Foundations of Hilchos Kashrus: Issur Veheter Ha’aroch
Ferrara, 1555. First Edition.
The sefer ‘Issur Veheter’ by Rabbeinu Yonah, comprising sixty gates (chapters) on the halachos of kashrus and many related rulings, following the tradition of the early Ashkenazic Rishonim.
This sefer forms the basis for all Ashkenazic customs in the halachos of kashrus until our times, and is frequently cited by the leading poskim: the Rema, the Bach, the Shach, the Taz, and many others.
Rabbi Yehonasan Eibeschitz declared regarding this work: “From its words we literally live when rendering rulings on matters of Issur Veheter” (in the introduction to Kreisi U’Pleisi).
This is the first edition of the sefer. A variant text exists in manuscript form, and the Rema attests to having seen both versions, as he notes explicitly (Shu”t Rema, siman 132, section 12).
Among the poskim, this sefer is referred to as the ‘Issur Veheter Ha’aroch’ – the "Long Issur Veheter", or simply as ‘Ha’aroch’ – to distinguish it from ‘Shaarei Dura’, which also addresses similar matters and is likewise called ‘Issur Veheter’.
The author is Rabbeinu Yonah, as cited on the title page of the sefer, but until today it remains unclear which Rabbeinu Yonah is being referenced. In earlier periods, some attributed it to Rabbeinu Yonah HaChassid of Gerona in Spain, but it is evident that the author was a native of Ashkenazic lands. Some identified him as Rabbeinu Yonah of Regensburg, a contemporary of the Terumas HaDeshen, though this too is subject to debate. Nonetheless, all agree that he was “a great and eminent scholar” (Shu”t Masas Binyamin section 34. See further in Kovetz Chitzai Giborim, Plaitas Sofrim vol. 7 [2014], pp. 448–474).
Ferrara, 1555. Printed by Rabbi Avraham N. Ushki. The title page features his impressive and unique emblem.
Page Count: [174] leaves.
Condition: Good, with some stains and some holes.
Fine new leather binding.
At the beginning of the sefer there is an approbation from the three Rabbanim of the city of Ferrara: Rabbi Baruch Uziel Chazkito, Rabbi Avraham Marvigo, and Rabbi Yisrael Marvigo.
About a year before printing, the harsh "Decree of the Talmud" was imposed. (This refers to the burning and banning of the Talmud in Italy that began in 1553 under Pope Julius III). Several months later, the sages of the communities in Italy decreed that no sefer could be printed without an approbation. Thus, this approbation is among the earliest recorded approbations given for a printed sefer, apparently following the decree.
