Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
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Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $8,000
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
Sold for: $37,500
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript, Milchamot Hashem, by R. Yaakov (Tam) son of Reuven – disputation against Christianity. [Aegean Sea, ca. 16 century].
Byzantine script.
Polemic work against Christianity, written in the form of a disputation between a Jew and a Christian. The author of the book, R. Yaakov (Tam) son of Reuven, was a contemporary of the Rambam. Not many details are known about him. According to one source, he was born in 1150, and according to another, in 1136. He authored this work in 1170. In his preface he mentions that he fled from his hometown to Gascony (South France).
As R. Yaakov relates in his preface, the impetus for writing this work was a dispute he had with a learned Christian priest he befriended in Gascony. The purpose of the book, as he states in the preface, is to refute the claims of the Christians and the proofs they bring from the Bible.
Decorated title at the beginning of the manuscript: "This book Milchamot Hashem as a response to heretics…".
Ornamented catchwords at the end of several gatherings.
The composition begins with a double-acrostic poem spelling out the name of the author.
Addition at the foot of p. 32a: "In response to heretics…". The word "heretics" was deleted by another writer, who wrote: "to Christians who say that until Yeshu (Jesus) came…". Another addition at the foot of p. 34a.
Milchamot Hashem was published, based on several manuscripts, by Dr. Yehuda Rosenthal, Mosad HaRav Kook, Jerusalem, 1963. This manuscript was however not available to the editor, and it contains many textual variations compared to the printed edition.
Milchamot Hashem is an early work of Jewish-Christian disputation. Chapter 11 criticizes the New Testament. Rosenthal writes in his foreword (p. XV): "The 11th chapter of Milchamot Hashem by Yaakov son of Reuven presumably contains the first systematic criticism of the New Testament written by a Jew in Christian Europe".
[78] leaves. Lacking approx. 8 leaves throughout manuscript and several leaves at end. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and creases. Several leaves originally smaller or with natural holes (text was inscribed accordingly). Pieces cut out of several leaves (for reuse of the parchment), slightly affecting text. New leather binding.
Byzantine script.
Polemic work against Christianity, written in the form of a disputation between a Jew and a Christian. The author of the book, R. Yaakov (Tam) son of Reuven, was a contemporary of the Rambam. Not many details are known about him. According to one source, he was born in 1150, and according to another, in 1136. He authored this work in 1170. In his preface he mentions that he fled from his hometown to Gascony (South France).
As R. Yaakov relates in his preface, the impetus for writing this work was a dispute he had with a learned Christian priest he befriended in Gascony. The purpose of the book, as he states in the preface, is to refute the claims of the Christians and the proofs they bring from the Bible.
Decorated title at the beginning of the manuscript: "This book Milchamot Hashem as a response to heretics…".
Ornamented catchwords at the end of several gatherings.
The composition begins with a double-acrostic poem spelling out the name of the author.
Addition at the foot of p. 32a: "In response to heretics…". The word "heretics" was deleted by another writer, who wrote: "to Christians who say that until Yeshu (Jesus) came…". Another addition at the foot of p. 34a.
Milchamot Hashem was published, based on several manuscripts, by Dr. Yehuda Rosenthal, Mosad HaRav Kook, Jerusalem, 1963. This manuscript was however not available to the editor, and it contains many textual variations compared to the printed edition.
Milchamot Hashem is an early work of Jewish-Christian disputation. Chapter 11 criticizes the New Testament. Rosenthal writes in his foreword (p. XV): "The 11th chapter of Milchamot Hashem by Yaakov son of Reuven presumably contains the first systematic criticism of the New Testament written by a Jew in Christian Europe".
[78] leaves. Lacking approx. 8 leaves throughout manuscript and several leaves at end. 21 cm. Overall good condition. Stains and creases. Several leaves originally smaller or with natural holes (text was inscribed accordingly). Pieces cut out of several leaves (for reuse of the parchment), slightly affecting text. New leather binding.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $6,875
Including buyer's premium
Two manuscripts bound together – formulary of legal documents, novellae, poems, homiletics and short Torah thoughts. Italy, 1560s.
The first manuscript comprises texts of legal documents, novellae, poems and various selections. The second manuscript is a composition named Leket Pe'ah, containing selected homiletics and short Torah thoughts on verses and teachings of the sages. Both manuscripts were presumably scribed by R. Yedidia (Amadio) son of R. Moshe of Recanati (see below). An inscription by R. Yedidia appears inside the front board, within an ornamental circular frame: "…on Sunday, 19th Adar II, 10th March, 1566, I travelled from my home in San Marino (Italy) towards Rome, and I reached Rome on Thursday, 14th March 1566…". Inside the back board, there is another inscription by R. Yedidia: "Mine, Yedidia son of R. Moshe of Recanati, a resident of Marino". There is a third inscription at the end of his poem in honor of his wife (see below), dated 1569.
The first manuscript contains many texts of legal documents, with wording distinctive of Italian Jewry: betrothal contracts, ketubot, divorce, wills, monetary legal documents (debts, rent, authorization, guardianship, and more). Many glosses and additions in the margins, including alternative texts, laws and notes pertaining to documents, and other selections.
On p. [2a], text of a betrothal contract, including the name of the place: Rimini and the year: 1565. Some documents contain a sentence relating to Italy, such as: "I wish this will to be valid everywhere, Venice, Lombardy, Bologna, Romagna and Marche, France, Spain and in all states of Italy".
On p. [8b], text of a will "instituted by R. Toviah", opening with a poetic introduction. This is followed by "A different introduction by R. Baruch Chazak".
P. [14a] contains a poem composed by the writer in honor of his wife, concluding: "composed by Yedidia son of R. Moshe of Recanati, in honor of Yentela his wife… 5th September 1569".
On p. [14b]: poem composed by the author in honor of R. Avraham Ibn Ezra, with an acrostic of his name: "Amadio son of Moshe".
Lists and diagrams of forbidden and permitted marriages, and of family ties which are valid or disqualified for testimony, on pp. [17b]-[18a].
On p. [19b] – a story about a tailor and Don Alfonso King of Spain.
The second manuscript is a compilation of homiletics and short Torah thoughts (allusions, acronyms and numerical values). The first page states: "Sefer Leket Pe'ah". This is presumably a transcript of an unknown composition authored by a R. Eliezer. The author is mentioned several times in the manuscript.
Ownership inscription at the foot of the first leaf: "The brothers, sons of the Yosef Yisrael Ravà".
The writer, R. Yedidia (Amadio) son of R. Moshe of Recanati was a Torah scholar and scribe active in Rimini, San Marino, Rome, and other places in Italy. There are several extant compositions he authored and manuscripts he copied. He translated Moreh Nevuchim to Italian, and dedicated it to the Rama of Fano.
[34] leaves (including two blank leaves). 21-22 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and tears. Tears affecting text to several leaves. Original leather binding, damaged and detached.
The first manuscript comprises texts of legal documents, novellae, poems and various selections. The second manuscript is a composition named Leket Pe'ah, containing selected homiletics and short Torah thoughts on verses and teachings of the sages. Both manuscripts were presumably scribed by R. Yedidia (Amadio) son of R. Moshe of Recanati (see below). An inscription by R. Yedidia appears inside the front board, within an ornamental circular frame: "…on Sunday, 19th Adar II, 10th March, 1566, I travelled from my home in San Marino (Italy) towards Rome, and I reached Rome on Thursday, 14th March 1566…". Inside the back board, there is another inscription by R. Yedidia: "Mine, Yedidia son of R. Moshe of Recanati, a resident of Marino". There is a third inscription at the end of his poem in honor of his wife (see below), dated 1569.
The first manuscript contains many texts of legal documents, with wording distinctive of Italian Jewry: betrothal contracts, ketubot, divorce, wills, monetary legal documents (debts, rent, authorization, guardianship, and more). Many glosses and additions in the margins, including alternative texts, laws and notes pertaining to documents, and other selections.
On p. [2a], text of a betrothal contract, including the name of the place: Rimini and the year: 1565. Some documents contain a sentence relating to Italy, such as: "I wish this will to be valid everywhere, Venice, Lombardy, Bologna, Romagna and Marche, France, Spain and in all states of Italy".
On p. [8b], text of a will "instituted by R. Toviah", opening with a poetic introduction. This is followed by "A different introduction by R. Baruch Chazak".
P. [14a] contains a poem composed by the writer in honor of his wife, concluding: "composed by Yedidia son of R. Moshe of Recanati, in honor of Yentela his wife… 5th September 1569".
On p. [14b]: poem composed by the author in honor of R. Avraham Ibn Ezra, with an acrostic of his name: "Amadio son of Moshe".
Lists and diagrams of forbidden and permitted marriages, and of family ties which are valid or disqualified for testimony, on pp. [17b]-[18a].
On p. [19b] – a story about a tailor and Don Alfonso King of Spain.
The second manuscript is a compilation of homiletics and short Torah thoughts (allusions, acronyms and numerical values). The first page states: "Sefer Leket Pe'ah". This is presumably a transcript of an unknown composition authored by a R. Eliezer. The author is mentioned several times in the manuscript.
Ownership inscription at the foot of the first leaf: "The brothers, sons of the Yosef Yisrael Ravà".
The writer, R. Yedidia (Amadio) son of R. Moshe of Recanati was a Torah scholar and scribe active in Rimini, San Marino, Rome, and other places in Italy. There are several extant compositions he authored and manuscripts he copied. He translated Moreh Nevuchim to Italian, and dedicated it to the Rama of Fano.
[34] leaves (including two blank leaves). 21-22 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains. Wear and tears. Tears affecting text to several leaves. Original leather binding, damaged and detached.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Manuscript, comprising two compositions – commentary on the Book of Iyov, by an unidentified author, and copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by R. Moshe Kimchi, with a commentary by R. Eliyahu Bachur. [Western Europe, ca. early 17th century].
Early Ashkenazic semi-cursive and cursive script. The first part of the manuscript (leaves 1-32) contains a copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by R. Moshe Kimchi, on grammar, with a commentary by R. Eliyahu Bachur (the book was first printed in Pesaro 1508, but this appears to be a copying of the Mantua 1563 edition). At the end of the transcript, near the concluding words of the composition, the scribe added his name and the date of writing: " I, his son Yaakov Rothenburg, handwrote this Mahalach, and I completed it today, 26th Av 1615".
The second part of the manuscript (leaves 34-87) contains a lengthy commentary on the Book of Iyov (ending with chapter 20, verse 19), by an unidentified author. It was presumably written around the same time as the first part of the manuscript. The commentary is written alongside the verses of Iyov. The verses were written in "windows", with the commentary written around it (blank "windows" remain on the final leaves, uncompleted by the scribe). The author mentions earlier Torah scholars and commentaries in his work. The latest sources quoted are Ohev Mishpat (Venice, 1590) and Chelkat Mechokek by R. Moshe Alshech (Venice, 1603). On p. 61b, the author mentions the Zohar.
A few words are translated into Yiddish. As far as our research has shown, this work was never published.
Between these two parts, on leaf 33, a transcript (lacking ending) from the book Levush HaOrah by R. Mordechai Yoffe author of the Levushim (Shemot 15, 5), regarding the correct pronunciation of the melopum and shuruk vowel signs.
Owner's signature on p. 86b: "So says Mordechai son of R. Gumprecht".
[1], 87 leaves (foliated in pencil). 15 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Marginal wear and minor tears to several leaves. Several leaves trimmed with damage to text. New binding.
Provenance: Christie's, auction 9192, Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Printed Books, June 1999, lot 60.
Early Ashkenazic semi-cursive and cursive script. The first part of the manuscript (leaves 1-32) contains a copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by R. Moshe Kimchi, on grammar, with a commentary by R. Eliyahu Bachur (the book was first printed in Pesaro 1508, but this appears to be a copying of the Mantua 1563 edition). At the end of the transcript, near the concluding words of the composition, the scribe added his name and the date of writing: " I, his son Yaakov Rothenburg, handwrote this Mahalach, and I completed it today, 26th Av 1615".
The second part of the manuscript (leaves 34-87) contains a lengthy commentary on the Book of Iyov (ending with chapter 20, verse 19), by an unidentified author. It was presumably written around the same time as the first part of the manuscript. The commentary is written alongside the verses of Iyov. The verses were written in "windows", with the commentary written around it (blank "windows" remain on the final leaves, uncompleted by the scribe). The author mentions earlier Torah scholars and commentaries in his work. The latest sources quoted are Ohev Mishpat (Venice, 1590) and Chelkat Mechokek by R. Moshe Alshech (Venice, 1603). On p. 61b, the author mentions the Zohar.
A few words are translated into Yiddish. As far as our research has shown, this work was never published.
Between these two parts, on leaf 33, a transcript (lacking ending) from the book Levush HaOrah by R. Mordechai Yoffe author of the Levushim (Shemot 15, 5), regarding the correct pronunciation of the melopum and shuruk vowel signs.
Owner's signature on p. 86b: "So says Mordechai son of R. Gumprecht".
[1], 87 leaves (foliated in pencil). 15 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Marginal wear and minor tears to several leaves. Several leaves trimmed with damage to text. New binding.
Provenance: Christie's, auction 9192, Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Printed Books, June 1999, lot 60.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,000
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Sold for: $6,250
Including buyer's premium
Decorated parchment manuscript, Sephardi-rite selichot, produced by Mazal Tov (Fortunata) Fiano. [Italy], 1793.
Pocket size. Black and gold ink on thin parchment leaves. Title page within architectural border with geometric and floral motifs. Text on each page set within gold frame.
The title page indicates that this selichot was produced by Mazal Tov daughter of R. Yehuda Fiano, in 1793.
This manuscript was produced by Fiano for her private use. The selichot follow Sephardi-rite, and some of the piyyutim are still recited today in the Florence rite.
Original leather binding with fine gilt decorations. The front and back boards bear the Fiano family emblem (see enclosed material) within a medallion, with the initials of the scribe and owner of the manuscript: F.F. (= Fortunata Fiano).
The Fiano family is a prominent Jewish family originating from Rome (named after the town Fiano Romano, which the Jews were expelled from in 1569). The members of the Fiano family resided in Rome and Ancona, and from the 18th century, also in Florence.
[17] leaves (and three blank parchment leaves). Approx. 12 cm. Good condition. Stains (several dark stains). Ink fading in several places. Fabric bookmark. Original leather binding.
For more information about female scribes and copyists, see: A.M. Haberman, Nashim Maatikot, Kiryat Sefer XIII (Nissan 1936), pp. 114-120. Haberman compiled a list of manuscripts scribed by women; however, the present manuscript is not listed there.
Pocket size. Black and gold ink on thin parchment leaves. Title page within architectural border with geometric and floral motifs. Text on each page set within gold frame.
The title page indicates that this selichot was produced by Mazal Tov daughter of R. Yehuda Fiano, in 1793.
This manuscript was produced by Fiano for her private use. The selichot follow Sephardi-rite, and some of the piyyutim are still recited today in the Florence rite.
Original leather binding with fine gilt decorations. The front and back boards bear the Fiano family emblem (see enclosed material) within a medallion, with the initials of the scribe and owner of the manuscript: F.F. (= Fortunata Fiano).
The Fiano family is a prominent Jewish family originating from Rome (named after the town Fiano Romano, which the Jews were expelled from in 1569). The members of the Fiano family resided in Rome and Ancona, and from the 18th century, also in Florence.
[17] leaves (and three blank parchment leaves). Approx. 12 cm. Good condition. Stains (several dark stains). Ink fading in several places. Fabric bookmark. Original leather binding.
For more information about female scribes and copyists, see: A.M. Haberman, Nashim Maatikot, Kiryat Sefer XIII (Nissan 1936), pp. 114-120. Haberman compiled a list of manuscripts scribed by women; however, the present manuscript is not listed there.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Unsold
Manuscript, Psalms for festivals, with Italian translation. [Italy, 19th century].
The manuscript opens with an illustration of an architectonic gate, surmounted by the Tablets of the Law. At the end of the manuscript, an illustration of birds drinking from a water fountain.
Includes Psalms for Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Chanukah and Purim. With interlinear Italian translation (in Latin characters).
Ink on paper. [7] leaves. Approx. 15 cm. Stains, including dark stains. Minor worming. Marginal tear to one leaf. Card binding, detached, with minor damage.
Provenance:
1. The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, Ms. 51.
2. Private collection.
The manuscript opens with an illustration of an architectonic gate, surmounted by the Tablets of the Law. At the end of the manuscript, an illustration of birds drinking from a water fountain.
Includes Psalms for Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Chanukah and Purim. With interlinear Italian translation (in Latin characters).
Ink on paper. [7] leaves. Approx. 15 cm. Stains, including dark stains. Minor worming. Marginal tear to one leaf. Card binding, detached, with minor damage.
Provenance:
1. The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, Ms. 51.
2. Private collection.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Illustrated manuscript, songs for a Brit Milah (circumcision). [Italy?, 19th century].
Title page illustrated in color, featuring in its lower part an illustration of a landscape with a fortified city in the center, with the inscription: "May the All-Merciful One send us Eliyahu HaNavi…". On the verso of the title page, illustration of a circumcision tool, with the inscription: "Baruch HaBa". The pages of the manuscript are decorated with leaves and flowers.
Comprises various songs for a Brit Milah, including several which are not listed in Davidson's Thesaurus of Mediaeval Hebrew Poetry.
Ink on paper. [10] leaves. 13 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dark dampstains). Worming, affecting text. Old card binding, with damage.
Provenance:
1. The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, Ms. 361.
2. Private collection.
Title page illustrated in color, featuring in its lower part an illustration of a landscape with a fortified city in the center, with the inscription: "May the All-Merciful One send us Eliyahu HaNavi…". On the verso of the title page, illustration of a circumcision tool, with the inscription: "Baruch HaBa". The pages of the manuscript are decorated with leaves and flowers.
Comprises various songs for a Brit Milah, including several which are not listed in Davidson's Thesaurus of Mediaeval Hebrew Poetry.
Ink on paper. [10] leaves. 13 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains (including dark dampstains). Worming, affecting text. Old card binding, with damage.
Provenance:
1. The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, Ms. 361.
2. Private collection.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $3,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000
Unsold
Manuscript, "Book for a Kohen who leaves his place to bless the congregation for Birkat Kohanim, Ashkenazi rite". With Kiddush Levana (sanctification of the moon). Amsterdam, [18th/19th century].
Title within ornamental archway decorated with priestly hands, a lion and fish. Particularly fine calligraphic script. Each page is set within a red ruled border.
The manuscript comprises sections of the siddur and piyyutim recited by the congregation and the Kohanim during the cantor's repetition of the Amidah prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For the use of the Kohen just before and after Birkat Kohanim (when he is unable to hold a machzor). The manuscript begins with HaYom Harat Olam (at the end of the blessing of Shofarot), and includes Areshet Sefatenu, VeTe'arev Lefanecha, Modim DeRabbanan, Yehi Ratzon before Birkat Kohanim, the text of Birkat Kohanim, Ribbono Shel Olam, HaYom TeAmetzenu (the prayer "Avinu Malkenu Kaleh Dever VeCherev…" is not included in this manuscript, in accordance with the custom of most Western-Ashkenazi congregations to not recite this passage).
Kiddush Levana was included at the end of the volume, with a separate title page: "Order of Kiddush Levana – on Yom Kippur eve, as one leaves the synagogue, one customarily sanctifies the moon".
Ink on paper. 5; 4 leaves. 17.5 cm. Very good condition. Stains and minor tears. Fine binding, with damage.
Title within ornamental archway decorated with priestly hands, a lion and fish. Particularly fine calligraphic script. Each page is set within a red ruled border.
The manuscript comprises sections of the siddur and piyyutim recited by the congregation and the Kohanim during the cantor's repetition of the Amidah prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For the use of the Kohen just before and after Birkat Kohanim (when he is unable to hold a machzor). The manuscript begins with HaYom Harat Olam (at the end of the blessing of Shofarot), and includes Areshet Sefatenu, VeTe'arev Lefanecha, Modim DeRabbanan, Yehi Ratzon before Birkat Kohanim, the text of Birkat Kohanim, Ribbono Shel Olam, HaYom TeAmetzenu (the prayer "Avinu Malkenu Kaleh Dever VeCherev…" is not included in this manuscript, in accordance with the custom of most Western-Ashkenazi congregations to not recite this passage).
Kiddush Levana was included at the end of the volume, with a separate title page: "Order of Kiddush Levana – on Yom Kippur eve, as one leaves the synagogue, one customarily sanctifies the moon".
Ink on paper. 5; 4 leaves. 17.5 cm. Very good condition. Stains and minor tears. Fine binding, with damage.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue
Auction 78 - Rare and Important Items
May 25, 2021
Opening: $1,500
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Sold for: $5,500
Including buyer's premium
The Rothschild Miscellany. An elaborate facsimile produced by The Israel Museum and Facsimile Editions, Jerusalem-London, 1989.
The Rothschild Miscellany, commissioned by Moshe ben Yekutiel HaKohen in 1479, is considered the most lavish of all Hebrew manuscripts. The Miscellany comprises more than 37 religious and secular works, including: Psalms, Proverbs, Iyov, a yearly prayer book with the Passover Haggadah, and philosophical, moralistic and scientific treatises. With vignettes illustrating the text, and ornate gold-leaf initial-word panels.
Copy no. 91, of a limited edition of 500 copies (altogether 550 copies were printed, including 50 AP – Ad Personam copies, which are identical to the regular copies).
Elaborate facsimile, with leather binding, with accompanying commentary volume (in English), each slipcased. Facsimile: [473] leaves. Commentary volume: 256 pages. Volumes: 21 cm. Slipcases: 24 cm. Good condition. Minor damage to bindings and cases.
The Rothschild Miscellany, commissioned by Moshe ben Yekutiel HaKohen in 1479, is considered the most lavish of all Hebrew manuscripts. The Miscellany comprises more than 37 religious and secular works, including: Psalms, Proverbs, Iyov, a yearly prayer book with the Passover Haggadah, and philosophical, moralistic and scientific treatises. With vignettes illustrating the text, and ornate gold-leaf initial-word panels.
Copy no. 91, of a limited edition of 500 copies (altogether 550 copies were printed, including 50 AP – Ad Personam copies, which are identical to the regular copies).
Elaborate facsimile, with leather binding, with accompanying commentary volume (in English), each slipcased. Facsimile: [473] leaves. Commentary volume: 256 pages. Volumes: 21 cm. Slipcases: 24 cm. Good condition. Minor damage to bindings and cases.
Category
Early and Illustrated Manuscripts
Catalogue