She’elot u-Teshuvot (Responsa), Joseph ben Solomon Colon, Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1519

243 leaves (9 x 6 5/8 in.; 228 x 170 mm). [10], 1-233. Title stained with minor holes, affecting only a few words on verso; owners’ inscriptions on title page and final leaf. Lightly dampstained; some spotting; minor marginal tears and losses; lightly wormed; speckled edges. Modern pebbled cloth.

Vinograd, Venice 15; Habermann, Bomberg 16.

Usually referred to by the acronym Maharik, Joseph ben Solomon Colon (c. 1420-1480), was the preeminent Italian talmudist of his time. This volume of 195 responsa was assembled, after Colon’s death, by his son-in-law, Gershon, and a student, Hayya Meir ben David. Maharik’s halakhic authority was widely recognized; consequently, inquiries were submitted to him from all over Europe and as far as Constantinople. In an inquiry peculiar to Italy however, Colon permitted Jews attending university to wear academic robes, despite other opinions that prohibited “gentile garb.”  He adds however, that in the event these robes are found to be four cornered, they require the affixing of zizit  (ritual fringes), an opinion not shared by other Italian rabbinic authorities.