Sefer Bnei David, Constantinople 1738 – Signed by the Kabbalist Rabbi Mansour Marzouk, Head of the Beit El Yeshiva, Author of Korban Elitzur.
Sefer Bnei David, a commentary on Maimonides’ works, along with responsa, legal rulings, and innovations. Authored by the dayan Rabbi David Falcone Zt”l. At the end of the sefer, a special section titled Iguna De’itteta is included, covering laws related to agunot and legal rulings from all halachic sources.
Constantinople, 1738.
On the final page is the ornate signature of the esteemed Kabbalist Rabbi Mansour Marzouk.
The sefer also includes several glosses and comments in a Sephardic script.
Inscription on the title page:
"A complete gift from La Bolisa Luna Di Falcone to me, the young Elef."
It also contains the signature of the notable Rabbi David Ben Shimon (author of Dvar Shimon).
The Author, Rabbi David Falcone was a student of the Mishneh Lamelech and one of the leading rabbis and judges in Turkey during the 18th century, Rabbi Falcone passed away in 1737. His Sefer Bnei David includes innovations on Maimonides’ works, responsa, and halachic rulings. The book also features contributions from other prominent rabbis, such as Rabbi Ephraim Navon, Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi, Rabbi Eliyahu Alfandari, and Rabbi Moshe HaKohen.
The Iguna De’itteta section at the end of the book provides a comprehensive summary of the laws on agunot, as found in both early and later halachic sources. It includes six responsa and additional rulings on the subject.
Rabbi Falcone passed away before he could publish the sefer, and it was printed by his wife, Luna Di Falcone. The title page acknowledges her efforts:
*"May the name of the pious woman, the G-d-fearing Mrs. Luna, widow of the esteemed author, be remembered for good. She generously provided the funds for the printing to bring comfort to her late husband."*
(See A. Yaari, Machkerei Sefer, "Women in Sacred Work, " page 95).
Printed by Yonah Ben Yaakov in Kushtandina (Constantinople), 1738.
Rabbi Mansour Marzouk (1749): A great kabbalist and one of the leading rabbis of Jerusalem. Originally from Aleppo, he was already a well-known sage before making aliyah. He signed second only to the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Yitzhak Algazi, and was a student at the Beit Yaakov Perera Yeshiva, under the Mizhari family. In 1782, he signed the Takkanat Ha’Azvot (regulations on inheritances). He was one of the prominent heads of the renowned Beit El Yeshiva, a center for Kabbalistic study. His student, Rabbi Mordechai Navon, wrote the introduction to one of his seforim.
Rabbi Mansour Marzouk’s contemporaries described his exceptional presence and influence, stating that anyone who saw his face felt awe. He authored several works, including Ben Pedahtzur (sermons), Tzur Teudah (on Maimonides), Korban Elitzur (responsa), and more.
[2], 93, 34 leaves, approximately 30 cm. The overall condition is good, with a new binding. Minor worming marks, mainly at the beginning of the volume, and some reinforcement and staining.
