Prayer book for the High Holidays as per the Carpentras customs. Amsterdam [1739].
[2], 14, [1], 15-17, [1], 18-71,[6], 72-114 leaves, 18 cm.
Prayer book for Rosh Hashana and the eve of Yom Kippur. First edition of a prayer book with the customs of Carpentras [France]. Carpentras was the main community of the four ancient communities in southern France: Avignon, Carpentras, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Cavaillon. These communities had their own customs, including unique hymns and selichot that were based on ancient French customs from the middle-ages (Provence customs). This is the first edition of this rare prayer book, in its entirety. Printed and then distributed amongst these Southern France communities.
The printing of this prayer book was a difficult ordeal, and the printing of all the prayers for the year, took more than twenty years, as described by Prof. Simon Schwarzfuchs (Alei Sefer, volume 6-7, 1989, p. 145-147). After printing had already finished, a number of additional leaves were inserted into the books, with note of their proper locations. However, many copies are missing all or part of these supplements. This is a complete copy. Only 600 copies of this prayer book were printed.
Rubbed leather binding, with gold embossing. Aging stains. Very fine condition.