This 1879 Vilnius edition of the first part of Orach Chayim, from the Shulchan Aruch, is a crucial text within Jewish religious law, specifically addressing the "Way of Life." It details the rituals and observances governing daily Jewish life, from morning prayers and Sabbath regulations to holiday observances. Based on the 1874 Vilna edition, this publication provides a codified guide to Jewish practice, reflecting the legal interpretations and customs prevalent in Eastern European Jewish communities during the late 19th century. The inclusion of Russian text clarifies its intended audience within the Russian Empire, explicitly stating it deals with the "Rites of the religious life of Jews," making it a valuable historical artifact and a testament to the preservation and dissemination of Jewish religious knowledge in that era.
Rabbi Joseph Karo, the primary author of the Shulchan Aruch in the 16th century, was a prominent Sephardic Jewish scholar and halakhist. His codification of Jewish law, based on earlier works like the Mishneh Torah and the Arba'ah Turim, aimed to provide a comprehensive and accessible guide for Jewish observance. His achievements include the creation of a widely accepted legal code, despite initial Ashkenazi reservations, which became a foundational text for Jewish legal practice. While this 1879 publication is a later edition, it is based on his original work. The Shulchan Aruch remains a central text in Jewish legal studies, and Karo's legacy is defined by his profound influence on the development and transmission of Jewish law, providing a lasting framework for Jewish religious life. The Vilna edition, published in 1879, is an important example of the continued study and publication of his work.
The first part of the Orach Chayim section of the Shulchan Aruch, published in Vilnius in 1879, based on the 1874 edition. The Russian text further clarifies that it deals with the religious rites of Jewish life.
Shulchan Aruch [Shulhan Arukh] Orach Chaim. Pt. I. (Шулханъ Арухъ Орахъ Хаимъ) [Code of Jewish Law]
The text translates to English as follows:
Top (Hebrew):
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שלחן ערוך (Shulchan Aruch) - "Set Table" or "Prepared Table" (a code of Jewish law)
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אורח חיים (Orach Chayim) - "Way of Life" (the first section of the Shulchan Aruch)
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חלק ראשון (Chelek Rishon) - "First Part"
Middle (Hebrew):
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ווילנא (Vilna) - Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania)
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שנת תר"מ לפ"ק (Shnat 640 [alef] [lamed] [mem] lefi"k) - The year 5640 according to the Creation (Anno Mundi), corresponding to 1879 CE.
Bottom (Russian, transliterated and translated):
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ШУЛХАНЪ АРУХЪ, ОРАХЪ ХАИМЪ. (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim)
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Обряды религиозной жизни евреевъ (Obryady religioznoy zhizni evreev) - "Rites of the religious life of Jews"
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т. е. (t. ye.) - "i.e." (that is)
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Часть І. (Chast I.) - "Part I"
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Съ виленскаго изданія 1874 года. (S vilenskago izdaniya 1874 goda) - "From the Vilna edition of 1874"
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1879.
The next page is the title page of a compilation of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim section, with commentaries and additions from various prominent Rabbis. It was printed in Vilna (Vilnius) in 1879 by the Widow and Brothers Romm printing house. It is a very significant and scholarly edition, bringing together important commentaries on the foundational code of Jewish Law.
The SECOND book title page of the second part of the compilation of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim section, with commentaries and additions from various prominent Rabbis. It was printed in Vilna (Vilnius) in 1879 by the Widow and Brothers Romm printing house, based on the 1874 edition. It also includes the Russian translation of the title and a short description.
NOTE: There is an inscription on the front page: This appears to be a page of handwritten text in Yiddish, written in Hebrew characters. The text seems to be referencing a newspaper from the year 1882 and possibly making a connection to something from the year 1889. It could be a note related to research, cataloging, or historical reference.
“H. SCHLOMOVITZ Agent For Deutsch-Amerik Wechsel Bank, Of New York”
Please review each photo carefully for wear and usage. This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years. Send me a message if you have questions or would like additional photos.
