Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
Displaying 1 - 12 of 134
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $45,000
Unsold
"Seder Birkat HaMazon with lovely illustrations, also Seder Birkot HaNehenin… and Seder Kriat Shema al HaMita…" - illuminated parchment manuscript. [Germany/Austria, 18th century].
Pocket size. Ink on parchment, with colorful illustrations. Contemporary parchment binding, with charming floral ornamentation.
A book of blessings with illustrations and ornamentation characteristic to the "Moravian School" of book illumination, of 18th century Germany or Austria. The illustrator of this manuscript was, most probably, familiar with books created by artists of the "Moravian School": Aaron Wolf Schreiber Herlingen of Gewitsch (Jevíčko), Meshulam Simmel of Polná, and others.
The manuscript is composed of 17 parchment leaves. Neat Ashkenazi square script with vowel points, and instructions in Hebrew (Rashi script) and in Yiddish-Deutsch (German in Hebrew letters - Tzena U'rena script). The initial words and some letters are decorated with miniature decoration. Rectangular borders frame the text on every page.
The manuscript opens with an architectural title page - illustration of an arched gate with two pillars, topped with three vases. Written at the end of the title page: "In Amsterdam typeface", with the word Amsterdam enlarged (as was the custom of printers in those days). On the following leaf, at the beginning of Seder Birkat HaMazon appears a colorful ornamentation surrounding the words "Baruch Hu U'Varuch Shemo" (Blessed is He and blessed is His Name). The initial word of HaMalach HaGo'el, on p. [14]a, is decorated with flowers, an angel and a light-purple border.
[17] leaves (33 written pages). 12.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Slightly faded ink in several places. Ink and paint smears to illustrations. Tiny needle-holes to inner margins from previous sewing of the leaves. New endpapers. Contemporary restored parchment binding, stained.
Pocket size. Ink on parchment, with colorful illustrations. Contemporary parchment binding, with charming floral ornamentation.
A book of blessings with illustrations and ornamentation characteristic to the "Moravian School" of book illumination, of 18th century Germany or Austria. The illustrator of this manuscript was, most probably, familiar with books created by artists of the "Moravian School": Aaron Wolf Schreiber Herlingen of Gewitsch (Jevíčko), Meshulam Simmel of Polná, and others.
The manuscript is composed of 17 parchment leaves. Neat Ashkenazi square script with vowel points, and instructions in Hebrew (Rashi script) and in Yiddish-Deutsch (German in Hebrew letters - Tzena U'rena script). The initial words and some letters are decorated with miniature decoration. Rectangular borders frame the text on every page.
The manuscript opens with an architectural title page - illustration of an arched gate with two pillars, topped with three vases. Written at the end of the title page: "In Amsterdam typeface", with the word Amsterdam enlarged (as was the custom of printers in those days). On the following leaf, at the beginning of Seder Birkat HaMazon appears a colorful ornamentation surrounding the words "Baruch Hu U'Varuch Shemo" (Blessed is He and blessed is His Name). The initial word of HaMalach HaGo'el, on p. [14]a, is decorated with flowers, an angel and a light-purple border.
[17] leaves (33 written pages). 12.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Slightly faded ink in several places. Ink and paint smears to illustrations. Tiny needle-holes to inner margins from previous sewing of the leaves. New endpapers. Contemporary restored parchment binding, stained.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $8,750
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript, "Nighttime Kriat Shema". [Italy, ca. 19th century].
Miniature manuscript. Ink on thin parchment leaves, Italian square script, with instructions in Italian semi-cursive script. Title page with illuminated border: "Nighttime Kriat Shema". The page following the title page contains the title: "Nighttime Kriat Shema according to Kabbalah".
Bedtime Kriat Shema, with prayers and verses. Divided into the seven days of the week, with different psalms for each day. This service is rooted in the teachings of the Kabbalistic scholars R. Moshe Cordovero and the Arizal (printed in "Seder VeTikkun Kriat Shema She'al Hamita", Prague, 1615). This service was also printed in the "Shaar HaShamayim" siddur of the Shlah (Amsterdam, 1717, leaf 151), in the name of "the kabbalistic scholars in an oral tradition" and according to "the Sefardic siddur".
[54] leaves. 8.7 cm. Good condition. Stains. Leather binding.
Miniature manuscript. Ink on thin parchment leaves, Italian square script, with instructions in Italian semi-cursive script. Title page with illuminated border: "Nighttime Kriat Shema". The page following the title page contains the title: "Nighttime Kriat Shema according to Kabbalah".
Bedtime Kriat Shema, with prayers and verses. Divided into the seven days of the week, with different psalms for each day. This service is rooted in the teachings of the Kabbalistic scholars R. Moshe Cordovero and the Arizal (printed in "Seder VeTikkun Kriat Shema She'al Hamita", Prague, 1615). This service was also printed in the "Shaar HaShamayim" siddur of the Shlah (Amsterdam, 1717, leaf 151), in the name of "the kabbalistic scholars in an oral tradition" and according to "the Sefardic siddur".
[54] leaves. 8.7 cm. Good condition. Stains. Leather binding.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $60,000
Sold for: $212,500
Including buyer's premium
Miniature manuscript on parchment - year-round machzor for the High Holy Days, Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot and Rosh Chodesh. [Italy, 15th century].
Illuminated Hebrew manuscript - unusual and exceptionally unique - of the Late Middle Ages.
Miniature manuscript, written on both sides of a single sheet of parchment cut into 76 circles, each with a diameter of approximately 3.5-4 cm, attached to one another at their margins. There are seven rows of circles, with eleven circles in each row (one circle is missing), for a total of 151 pages of text (one side of one of the circles is blank). This unique format allows for dynamic use of the manuscript, enabling the reader to fold the various circles into different configurations in order to expose the appropriate prayer segments. Upon completion of the prayers, the entire manuscript can be folded to the diameter of a single circle, and be easily stored and carried.
The manuscript is written in Italian semi-cursive script, within circular frames. The initial words are decorated with miniature leaves and ornamented in vivid blue and red colors. Several of the paragraph indentations are marked in red (tab marks). Headings are framed or underlined with curved lines. Instructions are written or decorated in red. The style of illumination and the shape of the letters match those of other Hebrew manuscripts written in Europe in the late Middle Ages.
Contents of the Manuscript:
The manuscript includes the text of the Amidah prayers for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot according to the Italian rite, as well as "Inyan Rosh Chodesh", which includes Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh, Mussaf for Shabbat Rosh Chodesh and "Hallel for the entire year".
The liturgical poem (piyyut) "Reshut D'Nishmat L'Harav Yoav" appears preceding Mussaf for Rosh Hashanah - a piyyut by R. Yoav ben Yechiel of Rome (Davidson, Thesaurus of Medieval Hebrew Poetry, no. 3291).
The Neilah prayer for Yom Kippur, as well as the prayers for Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, do not contain the first three blessings nor the final three blessings, whose text is standard. The scribe only included the unique middle blessing of each prayer.
Order of Text:
Pages [1-15]: Amidah prayer for Shacharit, Minchah and Arvit of Rosh Hashanah.
Pages [15-22]: "Avinu Malkeinu" prayer.
Pages [23-60]: Mussaf for Rosh Hashanah (complete text, including the Malchuyot, Zichronot and Shofarot blessings). Page [60] contains a concluding colophon: "The Rosh Hashanah prayers are complete, praise G-d", as well as the title: "Seder Yom HaKippurim".
Page [61]: Instructions for the Minchah prayer of Yom Kippur eve, followed by the decorated heading: "Tefillat Tzom Kippur".
Pages [62-82]: Amidah prayer for Yom Kippur.
Page [83]: This page is blank (the text completely faded). It apparently included the final line of the "Elokai Netzor" prayer of the Yom Kippur Amidah, as well as the title for Mussaf of Yom Kippur.
Pages [84-97]: Mussaf for Yom Kippur (the three final blessings were not copied, and the reader is referred to the previous Amidah).
Pages [98-103]: Neilah prayer.
Page [104] concluding colophon: "The Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayers are complete, praise G-d, Amen Selah".
Page [105] opening title: "Tefillah of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot".
Pages [106-110]: Amidah prayer for Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot.
Pages [111-132]: Mussaf for Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot (separate paragraphs for each holiday; the texts for the eight days of Sukkot are titled: "Mussafin shel Chag"). Page [132] contains a concluding colophon: "The prayers for Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot are complete, praise G-d, Amen".
Pages [133-137]: Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh with the title: "Inyan Rosh Chodesh".
Pages [137-142]: Mussaf for Shabbat Rosh Chodesh titled: "Mussaf for Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh".
Pages [143-152]: "Hallel for the entire year". A page is missing between pages [146] and [147], with part of the text of Hallel missing.
Only a few Christian and Muslim manuscripts from the 15th century that bear some similarity to this manuscript are known; the best-known of them is the Codex Rotundus, a "book of hours" (Christian devotional) manuscript written and illuminated in Bruges during the 15th century, known as the Rotundus due to its circular shape. None of these manuscripts, however, include the most striking and unique features of the manuscript offered here - namely, its miniature dimensions, it being written on a single sheet of parchment that can be folded to pocket size, and it being written in Hebrew. These three features make this manuscript an extremely rare and exceptionally unique item.
There are only two known items which are similar to this manuscript: In 1984, Sotheby's auctioned a similar manuscript, consisting of 49 circles with a diameter of 6.5 cm, containing the prayers for Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. A similar manuscript is held in the collection of the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles. It consists of 64 circles and contains the Passover Hagaddah.
Enclosed is a metal case (with glass remnants), similar to a pocket-watch case, used to store the manuscript.
[152] pages. Each circle has a diameter of 3.5-4 cm. The entire sheet (unfolded) is 43X27 cm. Condition varies; fair to good. The first circle of the first row is missing (part of the text of Hallel was written on its verso, see above). One circle detached. P. [83] is blank and darkened (its text was apparently worn and completely faded). Stains, tears and damage to text on the outermost circles. Stains from oxidation due to contact with the metal carrying case when folded. The inner circles are in good condition, with slight staining. Corrosion and damage to metal case. Broken and missing glass.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript on topics related to Beit HaMikdash (the Temple), with an illustration by Binyamin Senior Godines. [Amsterdam], 1688. Spanish and Portuguese.
The manuscript contains two compositions, an illustration, engravings and a papercut. The title page bears the title "Choshen HaMishpat" and a splendid high-quality colorful gilt illustration of the priestly breastplate, signed "By Binyamin Senior, 1688".
The first composition (in Spanish) deals with the breastplate gems, their names, virtue and identity in our times. At the beginning of the composition, the author notes that the composition is arranged according to the book Shiltei Giborim (by the physician R. Avraham Portaleone, 1542-1612).
The second composition (in Portuguese) describes the edifice of the Temple and its services: dimensions, time of construction, amounts of gold and silver required for the various Temple vessels, amount of oil and wine required annually for the services, etc. This composition is also found in another manuscript which belonged to R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab, held in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam (Manuscript 48 E 26, third pagination, pp. 28/b-33/b).
Three engravings were bound between the two compositions: One, hand-colored engraving, with gilt adornments, depicts the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels, and the other two depict the Temple and its vessels. The engraving of the Mishkan is taken from the book Retrato Del Tabernaculo De Moseh and the other two engravings of the Temple and its vessels were taken from an edition of the book Retrato del templo de Selomo, both by R. Judah Leon Templo (1603-1675), a Dutch scholar from Amsterdam who extensively studied matters pertaining to the Temple and the Mishkan and built a model of the Temple which he exhibited throughout Europe. A unique papercut shaped like the ephod and choshen is glued on the blank leaf following the engravings.
Binyamin Senior Godines was a renowned artist, scribe and engraver, member of the Portuguese community in Amsterdam. He copied compositions for R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab of Amsterdam (1631-1707) and published the book Meah Berachot (also called Seder Berachot, Orden de Benediciones, Amsterdam 1687-1688) with his own engraving on the title page (signed: B.G.). In the introduction to the book Me'ah Berachot, Godines writes that he prepared the book for print and that it is based on a manuscript found in the library of R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab, while in fact, he himself wrote the manuscript at the behest of R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab (this manuscript is held today in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam, no. 47 E 33). Three drawings created by Godlines are held today in the Jewish Museum London which were made "at the behest of Isaac de Matatia Aboab". Several other manuscripts written and illustrated by Godlines are held in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam including a kabbalistic illustration of an Ilan Sefirot (end of manuscript no. 48 A 16).
[1] wrapper, [7] leaves + [3] engravings. Good condition. Few stains and creases.
The manuscript contains two compositions, an illustration, engravings and a papercut. The title page bears the title "Choshen HaMishpat" and a splendid high-quality colorful gilt illustration of the priestly breastplate, signed "By Binyamin Senior, 1688".
The first composition (in Spanish) deals with the breastplate gems, their names, virtue and identity in our times. At the beginning of the composition, the author notes that the composition is arranged according to the book Shiltei Giborim (by the physician R. Avraham Portaleone, 1542-1612).
The second composition (in Portuguese) describes the edifice of the Temple and its services: dimensions, time of construction, amounts of gold and silver required for the various Temple vessels, amount of oil and wine required annually for the services, etc. This composition is also found in another manuscript which belonged to R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab, held in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam (Manuscript 48 E 26, third pagination, pp. 28/b-33/b).
Three engravings were bound between the two compositions: One, hand-colored engraving, with gilt adornments, depicts the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels, and the other two depict the Temple and its vessels. The engraving of the Mishkan is taken from the book Retrato Del Tabernaculo De Moseh and the other two engravings of the Temple and its vessels were taken from an edition of the book Retrato del templo de Selomo, both by R. Judah Leon Templo (1603-1675), a Dutch scholar from Amsterdam who extensively studied matters pertaining to the Temple and the Mishkan and built a model of the Temple which he exhibited throughout Europe. A unique papercut shaped like the ephod and choshen is glued on the blank leaf following the engravings.
Binyamin Senior Godines was a renowned artist, scribe and engraver, member of the Portuguese community in Amsterdam. He copied compositions for R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab of Amsterdam (1631-1707) and published the book Meah Berachot (also called Seder Berachot, Orden de Benediciones, Amsterdam 1687-1688) with his own engraving on the title page (signed: B.G.). In the introduction to the book Me'ah Berachot, Godines writes that he prepared the book for print and that it is based on a manuscript found in the library of R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab, while in fact, he himself wrote the manuscript at the behest of R. Isaac de Matatia Aboab (this manuscript is held today in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam, no. 47 E 33). Three drawings created by Godlines are held today in the Jewish Museum London which were made "at the behest of Isaac de Matatia Aboab". Several other manuscripts written and illustrated by Godlines are held in the Ets Haim Library in Amsterdam including a kabbalistic illustration of an Ilan Sefirot (end of manuscript no. 48 A 16).
[1] wrapper, [7] leaves + [3] engravings. Good condition. Few stains and creases.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, laws of shechita and terefot, with questions and answers regarding these laws and verses for Sefirat HaOmer. [Italy, ca. second half of the 16th century].
Cursive Italian script, on thick high-quality paper (watermark on one leaf concurring with paper produced in Germany in the mid-16th century).
At the beginning of the manuscript is a brief composition on the laws of shechita and terefot by an anonymous author. This is followed by questions and short answers for testing proficiency in these laws.
P. [26b] opens with a special compilation of verses which allude to the numbers 1-49, corresponding to the days of the Counting of the Omer. This conforms to a well-known custom of noting the number of each day of counting by means of a verse. [This custom is cited in the book Mo'ed David by R. David Meldola, Amsterdam 5500: "Scribes had the custom of writing, on letters which they wrote to loved ones or to relatives during the period of Sefirat HaOmer, a verse from the Torah or Scriptures which alluded to the number of that day of counting instead of writing the number…". The manuscript attests that this custom had already been practiced in earlier times]. Most of the numbers have a large and varied selection of verses. Including the source of each verse.
The parchment binding of the manuscript was made from a part of an ancient Latin manuscript.
46 leaves. 13.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, traces of dampness. Faded ink in several places. Worming to some leaves, affecting the text in several places. Contemporary damaged parchment binding.
Cursive Italian script, on thick high-quality paper (watermark on one leaf concurring with paper produced in Germany in the mid-16th century).
At the beginning of the manuscript is a brief composition on the laws of shechita and terefot by an anonymous author. This is followed by questions and short answers for testing proficiency in these laws.
P. [26b] opens with a special compilation of verses which allude to the numbers 1-49, corresponding to the days of the Counting of the Omer. This conforms to a well-known custom of noting the number of each day of counting by means of a verse. [This custom is cited in the book Mo'ed David by R. David Meldola, Amsterdam 5500: "Scribes had the custom of writing, on letters which they wrote to loved ones or to relatives during the period of Sefirat HaOmer, a verse from the Torah or Scriptures which alluded to the number of that day of counting instead of writing the number…". The manuscript attests that this custom had already been practiced in earlier times]. Most of the numbers have a large and varied selection of verses. Including the source of each verse.
The parchment binding of the manuscript was made from a part of an ancient Latin manuscript.
46 leaves. 13.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, traces of dampness. Faded ink in several places. Worming to some leaves, affecting the text in several places. Contemporary damaged parchment binding.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, Libro de Capitoli della Unione de Compari [Book of Regulations of Chevrat Sandekaut]. Senigallia, Italy, 1740.
Book of regulations of the "Chevrat Sandekaut" [Society of Sandeks] in Senigallia. Most of the manuscript is in Italian, with two pages and several headings in Hebrew. Following the title page is a page in Hebrew with the title: "The Importance of Sandekaut", with quotes from Shnei Luchot Habrit (Shlah) regarding the importance of this mitzvah [holding of the baby at his circumcision]. The bottom of the page is beautifully decorated. The words at the end of the text, "the sandek is akin to an altar", are emphasized with enlarged letters.
Following is an introduction in Italian with the date (in Hebrew letters): "Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1740". Handwritten on the cover: "Libro de Capitoli" (book of regulations) and the date: "1740".
At the end of the manuscript (pp. 26b-27a) are signatures (in Italian) of the members of the society, followed (p. 27b) by a document of testimony (Italian Hebrew script) which was written at the beginning of the following Hebrew year (October 1740), containing the names of the society members in Hebrew: "In our presence, the undersigned members requested our testimony to the fact that they established this organization of their free goodwill, and they have read all the ordinances in this book of regulations, and have signed their names below… [list of signatories]… Cheshvan, 1740, Senigallia".
The testimony is signed by "Yitzchak M. dell Almo" and "Menachem Vaterbi".
In Italy, as in other Ashkenazic communities, members of "Chevrat Sandekaut" would provide the expenses of the brit milah and the accompanying festive meal for those of limited means, and would serve as sandeks at the bris.
[1], 28 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original cardboard cover, with stains and wear.
Book of regulations of the "Chevrat Sandekaut" [Society of Sandeks] in Senigallia. Most of the manuscript is in Italian, with two pages and several headings in Hebrew. Following the title page is a page in Hebrew with the title: "The Importance of Sandekaut", with quotes from Shnei Luchot Habrit (Shlah) regarding the importance of this mitzvah [holding of the baby at his circumcision]. The bottom of the page is beautifully decorated. The words at the end of the text, "the sandek is akin to an altar", are emphasized with enlarged letters.
Following is an introduction in Italian with the date (in Hebrew letters): "Rosh Chodesh Nissan 1740". Handwritten on the cover: "Libro de Capitoli" (book of regulations) and the date: "1740".
At the end of the manuscript (pp. 26b-27a) are signatures (in Italian) of the members of the society, followed (p. 27b) by a document of testimony (Italian Hebrew script) which was written at the beginning of the following Hebrew year (October 1740), containing the names of the society members in Hebrew: "In our presence, the undersigned members requested our testimony to the fact that they established this organization of their free goodwill, and they have read all the ordinances in this book of regulations, and have signed their names below… [list of signatories]… Cheshvan, 1740, Senigallia".
The testimony is signed by "Yitzchak M. dell Almo" and "Menachem Vaterbi".
In Italy, as in other Ashkenazic communities, members of "Chevrat Sandekaut" would provide the expenses of the brit milah and the accompanying festive meal for those of limited means, and would serve as sandeks at the bris.
[1], 28 leaves. 20.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original cardboard cover, with stains and wear.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $500
Sold for: $3,250
Including buyer's premium
Large broadside (proclamation), "Regulations for fiancés" and other regulations of the Ancona community for preventing immorality and reinforcing halachic controls, with signatures of the city's rabbis, headed by R. Yosef Fiametta, Rabbi of Ancona. [Ancona], 1691.
Large-format broadside. Square Italian script on thick paper. In the margins are copied signatures of the city's rabbi, R. Yosef son of R. Shlomo Fiametta (Rabbi of Ancona, eminent Italian Torah scholar and kabbalist. Son-in-law of R. Shimshon Morpurgo, author of Shemesh Tzedaka) and two other Rabbis of Ancona.
At the top of the leaf is a "Regulations for fiancés" - to prevent "the practices of the ignorant and unlearned which lead to thousands of thousands types of Gehinnom", that fiancés meet their fiancées in private places. The regulation prohibits such meetings, with the exception of meeting in public places and threatens those fiancés who breach this prohibition ["If we find… a fiancé who breaches this agreement… he will not be blessed with the 'Minchat Chatanim' and he will not receive a place of honor in the synagogue…"].
In the center of the leaf is another title - "Regulations of Shabbat and Yom Tov" and a list of various regulations: closing shops on Erev Shabbat in the late afternoon, ceasing all work after Kabbalat Shabbat, prohibition to warm food and drink by non-Jews on Shabbat except for the ill or for children, prohibition to leave the ghetto to buy commodities from non-Jews, prohibition for women to comb their hair on Shabbat, etc.
Further in the leaf are more regulations: prohibition to purchase grape juice without proper kashrut supervision, prohibition of mixed games not within the immediate family (with a detailed list of games: cards, dice, chess, etc.), prohibition to participate in parties at which men and women or women alone drink alcoholic beverages to inebriation; prohibition for "women of marriageable age as well as those who are engaged to be married and married women" to wear short clothing; prohibition to shave side locks with a razor, etc.
Handwritten leaf, height: 56.6 cm, width: 42.5 cm. Fair condition. Dark stains. Folding marks, with coarse tears in several places, affecting text.
Large-format broadside. Square Italian script on thick paper. In the margins are copied signatures of the city's rabbi, R. Yosef son of R. Shlomo Fiametta (Rabbi of Ancona, eminent Italian Torah scholar and kabbalist. Son-in-law of R. Shimshon Morpurgo, author of Shemesh Tzedaka) and two other Rabbis of Ancona.
At the top of the leaf is a "Regulations for fiancés" - to prevent "the practices of the ignorant and unlearned which lead to thousands of thousands types of Gehinnom", that fiancés meet their fiancées in private places. The regulation prohibits such meetings, with the exception of meeting in public places and threatens those fiancés who breach this prohibition ["If we find… a fiancé who breaches this agreement… he will not be blessed with the 'Minchat Chatanim' and he will not receive a place of honor in the synagogue…"].
In the center of the leaf is another title - "Regulations of Shabbat and Yom Tov" and a list of various regulations: closing shops on Erev Shabbat in the late afternoon, ceasing all work after Kabbalat Shabbat, prohibition to warm food and drink by non-Jews on Shabbat except for the ill or for children, prohibition to leave the ghetto to buy commodities from non-Jews, prohibition for women to comb their hair on Shabbat, etc.
Further in the leaf are more regulations: prohibition to purchase grape juice without proper kashrut supervision, prohibition of mixed games not within the immediate family (with a detailed list of games: cards, dice, chess, etc.), prohibition to participate in parties at which men and women or women alone drink alcoholic beverages to inebriation; prohibition for "women of marriageable age as well as those who are engaged to be married and married women" to wear short clothing; prohibition to shave side locks with a razor, etc.
Handwritten leaf, height: 56.6 cm, width: 42.5 cm. Fair condition. Dark stains. Folding marks, with coarse tears in several places, affecting text.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $2,750
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, endorsement of a ruling by the sages of the Ancona Yeshiva, handwritten and signed by R. David Finzi, Rabbi of Mantua, son-in-law of R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal, "on behalf of the sages of the yeshiva" in Mantua. Mantua, 1726.
Endorsement of a ruling regarding laws of neighbors by Ancona sages: "I have seen the ruling of the sages of the Ancona Yeshiva…". At the end, R. David Finzi signs: "… Obscurity does not exist here, rather light, G-d shall enlighten our eyes with his laws and show us wonders of his Torah, Mantua, Thursday, the 22nd of Shevat 1726, David son of R. Azriel Finzi who writes on behalf of the sages of the yeshiva".
The ruling, objections to the ruling and endorsements of the opinion of the rabbis of Ancona by Italian sages were printed in the Shemesh Tzedaka responsa by R. Shimshon Morpurgo, Rabbi of Ancona, Choshen Mishpat, sections 13-32. This endorsement was printed there in section 19 [with minor variations].
The kabbalist and Torah sage R. David son of R. Azriel Finzi (died in 1735) was a disciple of R. Yehuda Briel in revealed Torah knowledge and of R. Moshe Zacuto in Kabbalistic wisdom, Rabbi of Mantua and prominent Italian rabbi in his days. He sided with the Ramchal during the polemic against him and sent a letter supporting the Ramchal to R. Shimshon Morpurgo, author of Shemesh Tzedaka (printed in the book Igrot Ramchal U'Vnei Doro, Igeret 57) and ultimately wed the Ramchal's daughter Zipporah. The Ramchal composed a long lamentation upon the death of his son-in-law (printed in the book Yarim Moshe, pp. 307-311).
Folded leaf, [1] written page. 21 cm. Good condition. High-quality paper. Few stains. Folding marks.
Endorsement of a ruling regarding laws of neighbors by Ancona sages: "I have seen the ruling of the sages of the Ancona Yeshiva…". At the end, R. David Finzi signs: "… Obscurity does not exist here, rather light, G-d shall enlighten our eyes with his laws and show us wonders of his Torah, Mantua, Thursday, the 22nd of Shevat 1726, David son of R. Azriel Finzi who writes on behalf of the sages of the yeshiva".
The ruling, objections to the ruling and endorsements of the opinion of the rabbis of Ancona by Italian sages were printed in the Shemesh Tzedaka responsa by R. Shimshon Morpurgo, Rabbi of Ancona, Choshen Mishpat, sections 13-32. This endorsement was printed there in section 19 [with minor variations].
The kabbalist and Torah sage R. David son of R. Azriel Finzi (died in 1735) was a disciple of R. Yehuda Briel in revealed Torah knowledge and of R. Moshe Zacuto in Kabbalistic wisdom, Rabbi of Mantua and prominent Italian rabbi in his days. He sided with the Ramchal during the polemic against him and sent a letter supporting the Ramchal to R. Shimshon Morpurgo, author of Shemesh Tzedaka (printed in the book Igrot Ramchal U'Vnei Doro, Igeret 57) and ultimately wed the Ramchal's daughter Zipporah. The Ramchal composed a long lamentation upon the death of his son-in-law (printed in the book Yarim Moshe, pp. 307-311).
Folded leaf, [1] written page. 21 cm. Good condition. High-quality paper. Few stains. Folding marks.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,200
Sold for: $2,125
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript (two leaves), prayer for easy labor for the Empress Marie Louisa, Napoleon's wife, by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai son of the Chida, Rabbi of Ancona. [Ancona (Italy), 1810/1].
Italian script with corrections and additions in Italian and Sephardi script.
The manuscript opens with "A prayer arranged by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, for the Empress wife of our Master the mighty King the great Emperor, in the time of her pregnancy. G-d should heed our prayers and sustain her during labor that she should bear with ease and tranquility without any pain, Amen".
The scribe left an empty space for the name of the Emperor and his wife and in a few places, he wrote in these spaces: "She [Plonit] who is called" [acronym], or just "Plonit". Subsequently, the name of Empress Maria Luigia (Italian) was added in the space between the lines in several places. The name of Napoleon, with honorary titles in Italian (in Hebrew letters), was added in two places.
Following the abovementioned prayer are the prayer HaNoten Teshu'a LaMelachim for Napoleon and his family [with the names integrated into the text by the scribe], and the prayer Mi SheBerach for "this holy congregation".
Corrections and erasures in several places with several revisions in Sephardi script and another inscription on the last page, also in Sephardi script: "Prayer on behalf of the Empress". Possibly, these corrections and/or inscription are in the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai himself.
In 1810, Napoleon Bonaparte married the Archduchess Marie Louise, daughter of Archduke Francis of Austria, Emperor of Austria, after divorcing his first wife who was unable to give him an heir. On March 20, 1811, Maria Louisa gave birth to the crown prince, Napoléon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, known as Napoleon II.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of his illustrious father Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, the Chida. A great Torah scholar, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). In 1785, after the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona, the community leaders applied to the Chida and he hinted that his son Rabbi Refael Yeshaya is suitable for this position. The latter served many years as Rabbi of Ancona until his death on the 9th of Shevat 1826 (he lived 83 years, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his congregation for a long time thereafter [for further information see the book by Meir Benayahu on the Chida, pp. 476-487].
[4] pages. 26 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming affecting text in some places. Folding marks.
Italian script with corrections and additions in Italian and Sephardi script.
The manuscript opens with "A prayer arranged by R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai, for the Empress wife of our Master the mighty King the great Emperor, in the time of her pregnancy. G-d should heed our prayers and sustain her during labor that she should bear with ease and tranquility without any pain, Amen".
The scribe left an empty space for the name of the Emperor and his wife and in a few places, he wrote in these spaces: "She [Plonit] who is called" [acronym], or just "Plonit". Subsequently, the name of Empress Maria Luigia (Italian) was added in the space between the lines in several places. The name of Napoleon, with honorary titles in Italian (in Hebrew letters), was added in two places.
Following the abovementioned prayer are the prayer HaNoten Teshu'a LaMelachim for Napoleon and his family [with the names integrated into the text by the scribe], and the prayer Mi SheBerach for "this holy congregation".
Corrections and erasures in several places with several revisions in Sephardi script and another inscription on the last page, also in Sephardi script: "Prayer on behalf of the Empress". Possibly, these corrections and/or inscription are in the handwriting of R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai himself.
In 1810, Napoleon Bonaparte married the Archduchess Marie Louise, daughter of Archduke Francis of Austria, Emperor of Austria, after divorcing his first wife who was unable to give him an heir. On March 20, 1811, Maria Louisa gave birth to the crown prince, Napoléon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, known as Napoleon II.
R. Refael Yeshaya Azulai (1743-1826) was born in Jerusalem, the eldest son of his illustrious father Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, the Chida. A great Torah scholar, he was a rabbi, posek and leader of Italian Jewry in his times. Some of his halachic responsa were printed in his father's books, who honored and esteemed him and always mentioned him with epithets of love ("my dear son", "my firstborn son, the perfect great chacham", "the light of my eyes", "friend of my soul", etc.). In 1785, after the death of R. Avraham Yisrael Rabbi of Ancona, the community leaders applied to the Chida and he hinted that his son Rabbi Refael Yeshaya is suitable for this position. The latter served many years as Rabbi of Ancona until his death on the 9th of Shevat 1826 (he lived 83 years, like his father). He was greatly honored at his death and was mourned by his congregation for a long time thereafter [for further information see the book by Meir Benayahu on the Chida, pp. 476-487].
[4] pages. 26 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Tears and worming affecting text in some places. Folding marks.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $5,000
Sold for: $12,500
Including buyer's premium
Leaf (2 pages) handwritten by the Chida, novellae on Even HaEzer, section 9.
The content has been printed in the Chida's book Birkei Yosef (Livorno 1774), however, this leaf contains many variations in comparison to the printed version.
For example: This leaf contains a flowery phrase about the Rambam: "The words were emitted from the mouth of the king the Rambam, a responsum cited in the responsa of the Maharam Elshakar…". This expression was omitted from the printed version and printed simply: "The Rambam, in a responsum cited the Maharam Elshakar …". See more examples in the Hebrew description.
The Chida - R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), a leading posek, kabbalist, exalted Torah scholar, prolific author and famous rabbinical emissary. Born in Jerusalem, son of R. Raphael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalemite scholar and great-grandson of Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai, author of Chesed Le'Avraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite scholars and kabbalists, including Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar, the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit E-l Yeshiva for Kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi, the holy Rashash, and was a contemporary of R. Yom Tov (Maharit) Algazi who studied with him in the yeshiva.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as a rabbinical emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, England and France, gaining fame and attracting a great deal of attention and esteem wherever he traversed. In 1873, the Chida embarked on another mission on behalf of the Hebron community which left a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, to serve as rabbi and there he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which has greatly impacted the area of halachic rulings. His books were heralded throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora with the highest deference. He wrote the majority of his compositions while preoccupied with travelling or with other matters and with access to very few books, attesting to his overwhelming genius and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would visit the local libraries in search of unknown manuscripts and compositions written by Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, in which he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gained during these visits was infused into all his books, and especially into his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
His monumental composition Birkei Yosef particularly stands out among his works. This commentary and novellae on the Shulchan Aruch earned high acclaim and is known for its strong impact on the area of halachic rulings. He began to write the book in Hebron, however, he continued adding to it during his travels. At the beginning of his second mission, upon reaching Livorno in 1774, he brought it to print. The book quickly spread throughout the Jewish Diaspora and in the Chida's lifetime already appeared in abridged form, such as Mishpat Katuv by R. Avraham son of R. Yisrael Pinso and Kemach Solet by R. Yehuda son of R. Moshe Ali (both printed in Salonika in 1798).
[1] leaf, two pages in the handwriting of the Chida. 31 lines per page. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Worming, partially affecting the text.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Chida.
The content has been printed in the Chida's book Birkei Yosef (Livorno 1774), however, this leaf contains many variations in comparison to the printed version.
For example: This leaf contains a flowery phrase about the Rambam: "The words were emitted from the mouth of the king the Rambam, a responsum cited in the responsa of the Maharam Elshakar…". This expression was omitted from the printed version and printed simply: "The Rambam, in a responsum cited the Maharam Elshakar …". See more examples in the Hebrew description.
The Chida - R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), a leading posek, kabbalist, exalted Torah scholar, prolific author and famous rabbinical emissary. Born in Jerusalem, son of R. Raphael Yitzchak Zerachya Azulai, a Jerusalemite scholar and great-grandson of Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai, author of Chesed Le'Avraham. From his early years, he was a disciple of leading Jerusalemite scholars and kabbalists, including Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar, the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. He began studying kabbalah at the Beit E-l Yeshiva for Kabbalists headed by R. Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi, the holy Rashash, and was a contemporary of R. Yom Tov (Maharit) Algazi who studied with him in the yeshiva.
In 1753, he embarked on his first mission as a rabbinical emissary on behalf of the Hebron community. During the course of his five years of travel, he passed through Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, England and France, gaining fame and attracting a great deal of attention and esteem wherever he traversed. In 1873, the Chida embarked on another mission on behalf of the Hebron community which left a profound imprint on all the places he visited. At the end of this journey, he settled in Livorno, Italy, to serve as rabbi and there he published most of his books.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times and composed more than 80 works in all facets of Torah, including his composition Birkei Yosef, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch which has greatly impacted the area of halachic rulings. His books were heralded throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora with the highest deference. He wrote the majority of his compositions while preoccupied with travelling or with other matters and with access to very few books, attesting to his overwhelming genius and phenomenal memory. In each city the Chida visited, he would visit the local libraries in search of unknown manuscripts and compositions written by Torah scholars. Due to the great respect and admiration he evoked, he was granted authorization to enter large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of France, in which he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. The vast knowledge he gained during these visits was infused into all his books, and especially into his bibliographic masterpiece Shem HaGedolim.
His monumental composition Birkei Yosef particularly stands out among his works. This commentary and novellae on the Shulchan Aruch earned high acclaim and is known for its strong impact on the area of halachic rulings. He began to write the book in Hebron, however, he continued adding to it during his travels. At the beginning of his second mission, upon reaching Livorno in 1774, he brought it to print. The book quickly spread throughout the Jewish Diaspora and in the Chida's lifetime already appeared in abridged form, such as Mishpat Katuv by R. Avraham son of R. Yisrael Pinso and Kemach Solet by R. Yehuda son of R. Moshe Ali (both printed in Salonika in 1798).
[1] leaf, two pages in the handwriting of the Chida. 31 lines per page. 20.5 cm. Fair condition. Worming, partially affecting the text.
Enclosed is an expert's report identifying the handwriting as that of the Chida.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $3,500
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript leaf, a Halachic responsum, handwritten and signed by R. Moshe ibn Chaviv, author of "Get Pashut". [Jerusalem, second half of the 16th century].
Single leaf, handwritten on both sides. Autographic writing of the author, R. Moshe ibn Chaviv, with deletions and emendations. The responsum concerns the explanation of a Tosafot in Tractate Rosh Hashanah. This leaf contains the second half of the responsum, signed at the end: "So it seems to me, the young Moshe ibn Chaviv". This responsum was printed in Kol Gadol (Jerusalem, 1907, section 84; reprinted in Responsa Maharam Chaviv, Chochmat Shlomo edition, section 274).
R. Moshe ibn Chaviv [Habib] (1654-1696) was the "Rishon LeTzion" and rabbi of Jerusalem, and one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He authored "Shemot BaAretz VeKapot Temarim", "Get Pashut" and other works. The Chida pronounced him "the greatest of his generation", "the great illuminator of his generation" and other honorific titles. The Pnei Yehoshua (Ketubot 14a, Kuntres Acharon, section 46) titled him "the greatest of the late masters of Torah (Acharonim)". R. Moshe was born in Salonika to a prominent family of Spanish exiles (descendants of R. Yaakov ibn Chaviv, author of "Ein Yaakov", and his son R. Levi ibn Chaviv, the Maharalbach). As a teenager he travelled to Eretz Israel, to study in Jerusalem at the yeshiva of R. Yaakov Chagiz. Soon he became renowned as one of the best students, and despite his youth, the great scholars of the yeshiva such as R. Chizkia da Silva, author of "Pri Chadash", R. Shlomo Algazi, R. Moshe Galante and others, would include him in their Torah debates. At around the age of fifteen he married the daughter of the Rosh Yeshiva, R. Yaakov Chagiz, and upon her passing, he remarried the daughter of R. Yonatan Galante, a sister of R. Moshe Galante ("HaRav HaMagen"). Upon the passing of R. Moshe Galante, R. Moshe ibn Chaviv succeeded him as "Rishon LeTzion" and rabbi of Jerusalem, a position which he held until his untimely passing seven years later. He left a large number of manuscripts, from them the following compositions were printed posthumously: "Get Pashut", "Ezrat Nashim" and "Shemot BaAretz" (the latter comprises "Yom Teruah" on Tractate Rosh Hashanah, "Tosefet Yom HaKippurim" on Tractate Yoma, and "Kapot Temarim" on Tractate Sukka). The works "Get Pashut" and "Ezrat Nashim" have become basic texts in Jewish law, while "Shemot BaAretz" is accepted as an important commentary to the aforementioned tractates. In fact, the Pnei Yehoshua writes that he abridged his own work due to the existence of Shemot BaAretz, and R. Akiva Eiger authored annotations to this work. In more recent years, further works of R. Moshe ibn Chaviv have been published, including responsa, sermons and his commentary to the Jerusalem Talmud.
[1] leaf, written on both sides. Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and dampstains, wear and large tears to the margins.
Single leaf, handwritten on both sides. Autographic writing of the author, R. Moshe ibn Chaviv, with deletions and emendations. The responsum concerns the explanation of a Tosafot in Tractate Rosh Hashanah. This leaf contains the second half of the responsum, signed at the end: "So it seems to me, the young Moshe ibn Chaviv". This responsum was printed in Kol Gadol (Jerusalem, 1907, section 84; reprinted in Responsa Maharam Chaviv, Chochmat Shlomo edition, section 274).
R. Moshe ibn Chaviv [Habib] (1654-1696) was the "Rishon LeTzion" and rabbi of Jerusalem, and one of the greatest Torah scholars of his generation. He authored "Shemot BaAretz VeKapot Temarim", "Get Pashut" and other works. The Chida pronounced him "the greatest of his generation", "the great illuminator of his generation" and other honorific titles. The Pnei Yehoshua (Ketubot 14a, Kuntres Acharon, section 46) titled him "the greatest of the late masters of Torah (Acharonim)". R. Moshe was born in Salonika to a prominent family of Spanish exiles (descendants of R. Yaakov ibn Chaviv, author of "Ein Yaakov", and his son R. Levi ibn Chaviv, the Maharalbach). As a teenager he travelled to Eretz Israel, to study in Jerusalem at the yeshiva of R. Yaakov Chagiz. Soon he became renowned as one of the best students, and despite his youth, the great scholars of the yeshiva such as R. Chizkia da Silva, author of "Pri Chadash", R. Shlomo Algazi, R. Moshe Galante and others, would include him in their Torah debates. At around the age of fifteen he married the daughter of the Rosh Yeshiva, R. Yaakov Chagiz, and upon her passing, he remarried the daughter of R. Yonatan Galante, a sister of R. Moshe Galante ("HaRav HaMagen"). Upon the passing of R. Moshe Galante, R. Moshe ibn Chaviv succeeded him as "Rishon LeTzion" and rabbi of Jerusalem, a position which he held until his untimely passing seven years later. He left a large number of manuscripts, from them the following compositions were printed posthumously: "Get Pashut", "Ezrat Nashim" and "Shemot BaAretz" (the latter comprises "Yom Teruah" on Tractate Rosh Hashanah, "Tosefet Yom HaKippurim" on Tractate Yoma, and "Kapot Temarim" on Tractate Sukka). The works "Get Pashut" and "Ezrat Nashim" have become basic texts in Jewish law, while "Shemot BaAretz" is accepted as an important commentary to the aforementioned tractates. In fact, the Pnei Yehoshua writes that he abridged his own work due to the existence of Shemot BaAretz, and R. Akiva Eiger authored annotations to this work. In more recent years, further works of R. Moshe ibn Chaviv have been published, including responsa, sermons and his commentary to the Jerusalem Talmud.
[1] leaf, written on both sides. Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains and dampstains, wear and large tears to the margins.
Catalogue
Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items
April 24, 2018
Opening: $2,000
Sold for: $5,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript leaf, emissary writ for R. Yitzchak Parchi, signed by leading Jerusalemite rabbis of his times: the Rishon L'Zion R. Yonah Moshe Navon (author of Pi Shnayim), R. Yitzchak Kovo (the Rishon L'Zion from 1848), R. Binyamin Mordechai Navon (Ra'avad of Jerusalem and head of the Kabbalist Yeshiva Beit E-l), R. Chaim Moshe Pizanti (Torah scholar and dayan in Jerusalem), R. Yom Tov Refael Meyuchas (prominent Jerusalemite sage, author of Mei Be'er) and R. Avraham Bachar Avraham (a Jerusalemite community leader). Jerusalem, Cheshvan [1836].
Handwritten in cursive Sephardi script, with several enlarged words written in square letters: "Western Wall", "Four Synagogues", "Yitzchak Parchi", "Magishei Mincha", "Golden bell and pomegranate and Torah crown and Tablets of Law", etc.
At the beginning of the leaf, the name of the city Ancona is written [in another handwriting] in the blank space left for entering the name of the community visited by the emissary.
A long passage handwritten and signed by R. Yitzchak Parchi appears under the signatures, containing a letter to the Ancona community written in Trieste ("I am waiting for a speedy reply here in Trieste"). R. Yitzchak apologizes that he himself will not come to Ancona because he heard that those who visit there are required to be quarantined ("in contumàcia" - detention camp for preventing epidemics) for 14 days, and he requests that the Jews of the Ancona community send him their donation and merit "building one of the Jerusalem ruins".
The leaf was folded and sent by mail to Ancona. On the verso appear a Hebrew address in the handwriting of R. Yitzchak Parchi, as well as an address in Italian, postal stampings and remnants of a wax seal.
The kabbalist and sage R. Yitzchak Parchi (1782-1853), called the "Jerusalemite Maggid", was a leading Torah figure in his times. Born in Safed, son of R. Shlomo Parchi who was an orator and teacher, orphaned in his childhood and raised and educated in Jerusalem in the home of the Maharit Algazi who took him under his wing. He assisted the leading Jerusalem kabbalists including the Rosh, R. Avraham Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi (grandson of the Rashash). Eventually, he grew to be a celebrated sage and dayan in the city and was famous as a teacher and preacher. Many years of his life were devoted to collecting funds on behalf of the Jerusalem Kollels in Turkey, the Balkan countries and Italy. During his travels, he printed many of his books and distributed them among Jewish notables. He wrote Matok L'Nefesh, Zechut HaRabim, Marpeh LaEtzem, Mussar Haskel, Shevet Mishor, Hadrat Zekenim (on the Idra), Minei Metikah, Tzuf Dvash, Rochev Aravot, Zechut U'Mishor, and other books. He was primarily celebrated for his work Matok M'Dvash which is cherished throughout the Jewish world and already during the 19th century was reprinted in over ten editions in Zhovkva, Zhitomir, Vilna, Warsaw, Lublin and Lemberg.
Leaf (folded into two). 25 cm. Good condition. Stains (to outside of leaf). Folding marks. Single tiny worm hole.
Handwritten in cursive Sephardi script, with several enlarged words written in square letters: "Western Wall", "Four Synagogues", "Yitzchak Parchi", "Magishei Mincha", "Golden bell and pomegranate and Torah crown and Tablets of Law", etc.
At the beginning of the leaf, the name of the city Ancona is written [in another handwriting] in the blank space left for entering the name of the community visited by the emissary.
A long passage handwritten and signed by R. Yitzchak Parchi appears under the signatures, containing a letter to the Ancona community written in Trieste ("I am waiting for a speedy reply here in Trieste"). R. Yitzchak apologizes that he himself will not come to Ancona because he heard that those who visit there are required to be quarantined ("in contumàcia" - detention camp for preventing epidemics) for 14 days, and he requests that the Jews of the Ancona community send him their donation and merit "building one of the Jerusalem ruins".
The leaf was folded and sent by mail to Ancona. On the verso appear a Hebrew address in the handwriting of R. Yitzchak Parchi, as well as an address in Italian, postal stampings and remnants of a wax seal.
The kabbalist and sage R. Yitzchak Parchi (1782-1853), called the "Jerusalemite Maggid", was a leading Torah figure in his times. Born in Safed, son of R. Shlomo Parchi who was an orator and teacher, orphaned in his childhood and raised and educated in Jerusalem in the home of the Maharit Algazi who took him under his wing. He assisted the leading Jerusalem kabbalists including the Rosh, R. Avraham Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi (grandson of the Rashash). Eventually, he grew to be a celebrated sage and dayan in the city and was famous as a teacher and preacher. Many years of his life were devoted to collecting funds on behalf of the Jerusalem Kollels in Turkey, the Balkan countries and Italy. During his travels, he printed many of his books and distributed them among Jewish notables. He wrote Matok L'Nefesh, Zechut HaRabim, Marpeh LaEtzem, Mussar Haskel, Shevet Mishor, Hadrat Zekenim (on the Idra), Minei Metikah, Tzuf Dvash, Rochev Aravot, Zechut U'Mishor, and other books. He was primarily celebrated for his work Matok M'Dvash which is cherished throughout the Jewish world and already during the 19th century was reprinted in over ten editions in Zhovkva, Zhitomir, Vilna, Warsaw, Lublin and Lemberg.
Leaf (folded into two). 25 cm. Good condition. Stains (to outside of leaf). Folding marks. Single tiny worm hole.
Catalogue