Author: Rabbi Yosef Juspa Schammes Menatzpach
Likkutei Yosef Passover Haggadah
Rabbi Yosef Juspa Schammes Menatzpach was born in 1603 in Fulda, Germany. While in his hometown, Rabbi Schammes studied under Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz. In 1623, he traveled to Worms to study under the great luminary Rabbi Eliyahu Loanz, more commonly known as Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem, who was a renowned kabbalist. After settling in Worms, Rabbi Schammes received the position of caretaker (schammes) of the synagogue [it would seem that his surname is sourced from this position]. This appointment included both communal interaction as well as serving as the city scribe and ritual slaughterer. These roles gave Rabbi Schammes an in-depth knowledge of the community, and he began to document the customs of the community. These notes became known as the Minhagbuch, and were ultimately published after Rabbi Schammes’s passing in 1678. This composition was considered so important that Rabbi Yair Chaim Bachrach, author of Chavos Yair, wrote notations on the entire work. Today, it can be found under the title Minhagei Vermaiza.
Rabbi Schammes wrote several other works, many of which have been published. However, a unique composition has been hidden from the general public for close to four hundred years. An unpublished manuscript containing a detailed explanation of prayer (Tefilla), grace after meals (Birchas Hamazon), Ethics (Pirkei Avos), and the Passover Haggadah titled Likkutei Yosef, has been stored in private collections for centuries. These explanatory notes contain a duel perspective. Focusing on the basic explanation of the text, these notes often pivot to delving into deep and esoteric thoughts steeped in kabbalah.
Achsanya Shel Torah has the unique privilege of bringing this valuable work to print for the first time and make it available to the public. We extend our gratitude to the Braginsky Collection of Zurich, Switzerland for their permission to print this manuscript.
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