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A notable acquisition I made this week is the first edition of Zichron Yosef, printed in Fürth (now a suburb of Nuremberg) in 1773.

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This copy includes the rare introductory leaves, which feature a scathing critique of the chassidic movement. The book is a compilation of responsa and novellae authored by Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt, av bet din of Fürth. In the introduction, the author decries the chassidic sect, which was beginning to spread during that period. Written in Nissan 1773, the introduction references Zamir Aritzim V’Charavot Tzurim, a work published in 1772. R. Steinhardt condemns those “who make most of their days festivals, who chirp and make noises during their prayers, emit various strange sounds, and change many customs.”

In his vehement denunciation of chassidut, he goes so far as to label it a cult. He writes, “There is no respite from them… they make most of their days holidays… their prayers are unbearable to the ears… they produce various noises… like a monkey to man… G-d save us from them.”

He also mentions those who came to reside in Germany, presumably referring to the brothers Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg and Rabbi Pinchas, the author of Hafla’ah, disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch, who were appointed rabbis in Germany. Over time, the introduction was removed from most copies of the book, making it exceptionally rare. While the mitnagdim, those who opposed the burgeoning chassidic movement, were predominantly based in Lithuania, resistance to this movement can also be found in other regions, as exemplified by the opposition of R. Steinhardt in Germany

Rabbi Yosef Steinhardt (circa 1720–1776), a distinguished German rabbi, spent his early years in Schwabach, Bavaria. He began his rabbinical career in Rixheim and later became the chief rabbi of Upper Alsace. In 1755, he assumed the role of chief rabbi in Nieder-Ehenheim, Lower Alsace, and, in 1763, was appointed rabbi of Fürth, a position he held until his death. A leading Talmudic scholar, Steinhardt received inquiries from across Europe, including Hungary, Italy (Verona), the Netherlands (Amsterdam), and Switzerland. His reputation as a halachic authority grew as he guided Jewish communities on complex religious issues.

A man of piety, Steinhardt was also proactive in maintaining Jewish moral and religious standards. He convinced the lord of the manor in Nieder-Ehenheim to issue a decree prohibiting mixed dancing, reflecting his strong stance against practices he viewed as morally compromising. Additionally, his theological debates, such as his dispute with Rabbi Yeshaya Pick regarding Eleazar Kalir, revealed his intellectual rigor. Steinhardt argued that the term “Be-Rabbi” was not a personal name, but an honorary title given to Kalir, whom he believed was a contemporary of Saadia Gaon.

R. Steinhardt’s scholarship was deeply influential, with notable pupils including R. Mordecai Banet of Mikulov, R. Moshe Tobiah Sondheimer of Hanau, and Benjamin Ze’ev Wolf Heidenheim. His works, including Zichron Yosef (1773), Mashbir Bar (1828), and Ko’aḥ Shor, were pivotal in halachic discourse. Zichron Yosef is a comprehensive collection of responsa addressing the four divisions of the Shulchan Aruch, and the latter two works were published posthumously by his grandson, Akiva Steinhardt.

Despite his authority, Steinhardt humbly refrained from issuing rulings unilaterally, preferring to seek consensus among leading rabbis. He was especially vocal against movements he saw as a threat to Jewish values, such as Shabbateanism and chassidism.


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Israel Mizrahi is the owner of Mizrahi Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY, and JudaicaUsed.com. He can be reached at [email protected].