Sefer Toldot Adam, novellae on Talmudic treatises, by Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi. Jerusalem, [1845]. Printed by Israel Bak.
On the title page is the author's dedication, partially in square letters: "A gift to Rabbi…Moshe Sithon, Moshe David Ashkenazi here in Safed", with his signature: "Moshe David Ashkenazi Safed".
The book was probably given to Rabbi Moshe Sithon (1797-1878), an Aleppo sage, author of Divrei Moshe and Kehillat Moshe (see: L'Kdoshim asher BaAretz, Ot 363, p. 115).
The author, Rabbi Moshe David Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Tolcsva-Safed, (1774-1856, Ishim B'Teshuvot HeChatam Sofer, p. 300), author of Toldot Adam and Be'er Sheva, father-in-law of the Rebbe author of Yitav Lev of Siget and father of Rabbi Yoel Ashkenazi Av Beit Din of Złoczew. Forbear of the Satmar and Klausenburg dynasties, at a young age was appointed Rabbi of Tolcsva, a position he held for forty years. Moved to Safed in 1844 and was one of the founders of the Chassidic settlement in post-earthquake Safed. A short while after his immigration to Eretz Israel, he printed this book in the printing press of Rabbi Israel Bak in Jerusalem. He authored the book in his thirties and Rabbi Ya'akov of Lisa, author of Chavat Da'at writes in his approbation to the book: "The famous Torah scholar R' Moshe David…does not need me and my likes, but I honor his wish and cannot refuse a person greater than I". His home and Beit Midrash in Safed were restored by his grandson the Klausenberg Rebbe and at present, they house the Sanz institutes in Safed.
On the title page is an inscription: "Belongs to the Talmud Torah and Etz Chaim Yeshiva in the Hurva of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid in Jerusalem".
[2], 142 leaves. 29.5 cm. Good condition, stains and worming. New binding.