Rav Shabsai HaKohen Katz

Author of Sifsei Kohen, one of the most authoritative commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (1621-1662). Born in Vilna, he learned in Tyktizin, Cracow, and Lublin. He married a descendant of the Rema. In 1648, the communities of Poland were devastated by Chmielnicki, and Rav Shabsai was among the sufferers. He authored selichos in memory of those events. He was niftar at approximately age 41 in Holeschau, Moravia, having completed his commentary on two of the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch: Yoreh De'ah (at age 24) and Choshen Mishpat. Among his other works are Sefer Ha'Aruch on the Tur, Poel Tzedek on the 613 mitzvos, and Gevuros Anashim.