Divrei Nechemiah [kabbalistic and homiletic sermons on the Pentateuch]
AUCTION 41 |
Thursday, September 18th,
2008 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, & Graphic Art
Lot 145
HAYUN, NECHEMIAH CHIYA.
Divrei Nechemiah [kabbalistic and homiletic sermons on the Pentateuch]
Berlin: Baruch Buchbinder 1713
Est: $800 - $1,000
PRICE REALIZED $750
EXTREMELY RARE. MOST COPIES BURNT OR DESTROYED
Nechemiah Hayun (entitled "Nachash" [snake] in the polemics against him, see Lot 109) was a crypto-Sabbatian preacher who caused one the greatest "cause-celebres" and scandals of the 18th century. His accusers were the Chacham Tzvi , Moshe Chagiz, and Joseph Ergas. His supporters were Naphtali Katz of Prague, David Oppenheim, Gabriel of Nikolsburg among others. The appearance of this heretical text, surprisingly complete with the approbations of establishment Rabbis, resulted in assaults upon Hayun and accusations of his being a champion of the false Messiah, Shabthai Tzvi. The publication of his next work, Oz Le’Elo-him, the same year, created even more controversy. In order to prevent a possible revival of the Sabbatian heresy, most copies of his works were destroyed. See E. Carlebach, The Pursuit of Heresy, pp.75-159; M. Carmilly-Weinberger, pp. 63-4 and B. Naor, Post-Sabbatian Sabbatianism, pp.145-149