With the approach of Purim, Chaim Eleazar Reich, Boro Park’s publisher of rare books, has put out reproductions of four old commentaries on Esther.
R. Zecharya Ibn Saruk was an exile of Spain. He concluded writing his commentary on Esther in Algiers on the second of Nissan, 5253 (1493). The commentary was printed in Venice in 1565.
Rabbi Elisha Gallico, a Talmudist and Kabbalist of Safed, was a student of Rabbi Yosef Karo and a member of his Beth Din. He wrote commentaries on Kohelet, Shir Hashirim and Esther, all of which were printed in Venice. His commentary on Esther appeared there in 1583, some time after his death.
Rabbi Yom Tov ben Moshe Zahahlon, too, was a student of Rabbi Yosef Karo and lived for many years in Safed. His published writings include responsa and novellae on the Talmud. His commentary on Esther Lekah Tov, he composed in order to send it on Purim as Mishloach Manot to his father. It was printed in Safed in 1577.
R. Shmuel Valerio was a rabbinical scholar as well as a physician. His commentaries on Esther and Daniel were printed in Venice in 1586. He concluded writing the commentary on Esther, called Yad HaMelekh, in Corfu a few days before Purim in 5339 (1579).
All these commentaries on Esther were never reprinted. They have now been reproduced by C. E. Reich in limited editions, on highest quality paper and in handsome bindings.
The Jewish Press
March 13, 1992
By: Tovia Preschel