Sepher Ivronoth [astronomy and calculations of intercalation and the Jewish calender]

AUCTION 27 | Tuesday, February 08th, 2005 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Autographed Letters, Manuscripts, Ceremonial & Graphic Art

Back to Catalogue Download Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/429

Next Lot>

Lot 34

BEILIN, ELIEZER BEN JACOB

Sepher Ivronoth [astronomy and calculations of intercalation and the Jewish calender]

Numerous mathematical tables, spherical charts and illustrations. Title within architectural arch featuring Moses and Aaron, with cherubs flanking a zodiac sphere. Woodcut illustrations of hand palms on ff.23v. and 24r. Sphere tipped between ff.36v and 37r. A complete copy with all volvelles is highly uncommon ff. (2), 40 (i.e. 38). Browned, upper corners of few leaves with minimal loss. Contemporary vellum, worn. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Offenbach 63

Offenbach: Israel ben Moses 1722

Est: $2,000 - $2,500

The Jewish calendar is lunisolar; the months are reckoned by the moon and the years by the sun. The astronomical expertise required to make the necessary adjustments, mandated an interest in astronomy by religious Jews. Maimonides devotes an entire section of his Mishneh Torah to what he lists as a positive commandment “to know how to determine which is the first day of each month of the year.” Sepher Ivronoth was prepared as a manual “to help an individual fulfil the commandments.” See A. J. Karp, From the Ends of the Earth-Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress (1991) pp.197-8