Minchat Shai – Chamishah Chumshei Torah and the meggilahs. Primary, foundational composition regarding text version, vowelization and cantillation by Rabbi Yedidyah Shlomo Nortzi .
The author of the Chatam Sofer writes: “The book Minchat Shai is the one which all my rabbis relied upon and it is authorized and well-known among the Sephardic sages.”
Breathtakingly beautiful illustrated title page made by an engraving technique, depicting biblical scenes: Moses giving the Decalogue; David playing the lyre; the Song at the Sea; Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus; the Valley of Dried Bones; Solomon’s Trial; Daniel in the Lion’s Den; and Joshua stopping the sun in Givon. First edition. Printed by the printing house of Raphael Chaim D’Italia, the physician of Mantua.
[3], 136, 141-142 leaves. 24 cm. Long gloss in Oriental script from the time of printing. Between leaves 120-121, an additional unknown leaf is bound: ‘Luach Kri’at Parashiyot HaMoadim,’ in a different size.
Moderate-fine condition. Aging stains. Worming perforations. Taped reinforcement to the margins of the first leaves. The second title page and 4 leaves (137-140) are lacking. Original semi-leather binding.