(LITURGY). Tephilloth, Containing the Forms of Prayers Which are Publicly Read in the Synagogues, and Used in All Families. Translated by B. Meyers and A. Alexander
AUCTION 39 |
Thursday, April 03rd,
2008 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters & Graphic Art
Lot 24
(ANGLO-JUDAICA)
(LITURGY). Tephilloth, Containing the Forms of Prayers Which are Publicly Read in the Synagogues, and Used in All Families. Translated by B. Meyers and A. Alexander
London: W. Tooke 1770
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
PRICE REALIZED $6,000
THE FIRST HEBREW-ENGLISH PRAYER BOOK PRINTED IN ENGLAND.
In the preface, the co-translators Meyers and Alexander belittle the earlier attempt at an English translation of the Hebrew liturgy: "It is true, such a thing has been attempted under the title of Liturgia Judaica, but the manner in which it was effected plainly demonstrates, that Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur, either knew nothing of the Hebrew tongue, or that his intention was to throw a ridicule upon the whole Jewish community." The reference is to the Prayer Book published in 1738 by the apostate Abraham Mears under the pseudonym "Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur." See C. Roth, "Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur and his Prayer Book," JHSE, Miscellanies II (1935), pp. 1-8