* Seder Chanukat Beit HaKnesset B’Siena . Livorno, 1786. Rare.
* Seder Zmirot V’Limud – detailed prayer service printed as a book in its own right on the occasion of construction of the synagogue in Siena, Italy. Arranged by the sages, our rabbi and teacher Yedidiah Levi and Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim de Modena.
The book includes: Chapters of Psalms, various verses, a detailed service of the seven hakofot, a prayer that grants salvation to kings and heads of state, and many songs composed by members of the community, with their names noted. There are two introductions by community rabbis at the beginning of the book, which include important historical details about the synagogue construction and those who assisted in its construction.
The inauguration ceremony lasted about five days, from Thursday, the eve of Rosh Chodesh Sivan 1786, though Friday and Shabbat, with the main event on Saturday night, continuing through Tuesday evening. The synagogue stands to this day.
88 pp, 21 cm. Each page is surrounded by a decorative border. Fine condition. Aging stains. Not bound.
* Likut MiShe’elot U’Teshuvot V’Chiddushei Dinim, Chelek Even HaEzer by Rabbi Moshe Chagiz. [Hamburg, 1719]
‘HaKema”ch’ is an abbreviation for “HaKatan Moshe Chagiz.” The author was one of the great Sephardic sages of his generation. He was born in Jerusalem and was an emissary to European countries for many years. He lived in Amsterdam and Hamburg for extended periods and assisted the Chacham Tzvi and his son the Ya”avetz in their battle against remnants of the Sabbateans.
Interesting bibliographic phenomenon: On the book’s title page, the year detail is written, and according to the customary calculation, it works out to 1711. However, there are a number of indications that it was printed slightly later, and many bibliographers were misled by this. The book was actually printed in 1719. When the small letters that are between the large letters are also included in the calculation [and not just the large letters, as is customary], it indeed works out to 1719.
[4], 221, [3] leaves, 15 cm.
Very fine condition except for the slightly detached original binding.
* Mikra Mefaresh , unique book to teach and refine students, constructed in a question-and-answer format in Yiddish by Rabbi Zussmann Roedelsom. The author’s handwritten signature is at the end of the introduction. Only edition. Rare book.
“Torah … in the language of Ashkenaz … to provide answers and the student’s ears are attentive to his rabbi’s questions. Oif teitch … di Torah recht fier stein … gleik ein rabbi der da far hert ein kind … The entire book is in Yiddish, except for one introduction.
The author Rabbi Eliezer Zussmann Roedelsom, also known as Roedelsheim, was one of the sages of Holland. He also authored the grammar book
Maher Yisrael [Amsterdam 1741].
[2], 131 leaves, 23 cm. On the title page: First section. However, no more were printed. Fine condition. Simple binding. Aging stains. Reinforcements in leaf 1 with damage to individual letters. Restoration of the white margins of the last leaf.