Tehillim, with the Be'urei Zohar and Metzudat Zion commentaries. Safed: R. Yisrael Bak, [1833].
One of the first books printed by R. Yisrael Bak in Safed, about one year after he established his printing press in the city.
On the verso of the title page is the introduction of the printer R. Yisrael Bak: "And all who purchase and spend their gold and silver on books printed here in the Holy Land, especially books of Tehillim with the Zohar to carry in his bosom and in his bag, G-d should save him from all distress, harm and fright…". This is followed by another long introduction by R. Gershon Margaliot. He tells how he begged Yisrael Bak not to print the Kabbalistic commentary Be'urei HaZohar alone, rather alongside verses of Tehillim and in the end his advice was heeded.
Kavanat HaMeshorer (the intent of the poet) is printed at the beginning of each Psalm. The volume also contains prayers recited before and after reading Tehillim on weekdays, Shabbat, Yom Tov and Lel Hoshana Raba and a prayer for the sick and Seder Pidyon Nefesh.
[4], 152 leaves. 15 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Professionally restored tears to margins of title page and to margins of other leaves, particularly at the beginning of the book, slightly affecting text. Worming in a few places, repaired, affecting text. Defects. Bottom margins trimmed on several leaves, not affecting text. New, elegant leather binding.
An inscription in Ashkenazi script appears on the title page above the place of printing, "Safed": "The dust of Eretz Israel here [Safed]". This phrase was used as a signature by R. Yisrael of Shklow, the Vilna Gaon's disciple who lived in Safed at the time of this printing [in our opinion, this inscription was not written by him and was added at a later time].