(of Prague). Zera Kodesh [readings and meditations to prevent nocturnal emissions]

AUCTION 11 | Tuesday, November 28th, 2000 at 1:00
Important Hebrew Printed Books and Manuscripts From the Library of the London Beth Din

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Lot 42
GRAF, MOSES BEN MENACHEM.

(of Prague). Zera Kodesh [readings and meditations to prevent nocturnal emissions]

FIRST EDITION. Title within typographical border ff. 47. Lightly browned and stained in places, marginal repairs to title page. Modern boards. Sm. 8vo Vinograd, Fürth 44

Fürth: Joseph ben Solomon Schneur 1696

Est: $600 - $900
PRICE REALIZED $1,300
Fascinating and detailed appendix (not included in subsequent editions) describing the exorcism of a Dybuk performed Graf in the town of Nikolsburg in 1696. Some two thousand people witnessed the exorcism ceremony. The Dybuk claimed he was a leader of the town of Narol in Poland, and admitted to a host of crimes instigated by his mother, including the murder of two rabbis. Graf and those assembled offered to fast and undertake further penance on the Dybuk’s behalf. He in turn agreed to leave only if Rabbi Graf and one of the Dayanim would recite the Kaddish prayer following the recital of Psalms. Graf thereupon proclaimed the Ineffable Name, whilst the congregation prayed and seven shofars were simultaneously sounded. The final leaf lists the twelve Dayanim and leaders of Nikolsburg, including David Oppenheimer, all attesting to the veracity of the incident